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High Treason (sound version)

Extravagantly-mounted futuristic sci-fi, now with added sound, although still with the world's two power blocs at loggerheads.

Science Fiction 1929 68 mins

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Overview

This extravagantly-mounted futuristic sci-fi was originally filmed both silent and with sound: this is the long-lost sound version. It imagines the world's two major power blocs on the verge of a war orchestrated by arms manufacturers, and is set, presciently, in 1940 (not 1950, as in the silent version). The addition of sound brings dialogue, effects and - almost inevitably - a couple of songs.

For many years the sound version was thought to be lost (only a mute picture negative was preserved at the BFI National Archive). However, in 2005 a nitrate print, complete with soundtrack, was discovered in America and preserved at the Library of Congress. This American release version, cut to 67 minutes from the original 92-minute UK release, is the one we present here.

Original title
High Treason
Director
Maurice Elvey
Genres
Science FictionWar
Released
1929
Country
United Kingdom
Language
English

Subjects

Future Arms race