In 1957, the story "The Midwich Cuckoos" was published and a movie version, "Village of the Damned" came out just three years later. However, in this episode of "Tales of Tomorrow" (which debuted in 1951), several plot elements of "Midwich" can be found. Perhaps it is a coincidence--perhaps one helped inspire the other. The stories are not at all the same--but as I said, there are similarities.
The film begins with a young girl being examined by military doctors. It seems that she is an incredible super-genius and they are trying to determine how bright she really is. It turns out she is smarter than the scientists and the military folks want to keep her and use her to protect us from 'the enemy'. As time passes, it becomes apparent that she not only is a super-genius but she has insight into what WILL happen in the world. This is a serious problem, as some of her comments sound as if the world as we know it is coming to a swift end--most likely because mankind is essentially stupid. There's quite a bit more to it--so tune in and see this interesting installment.
In many ways, this is an interesting curio of the Red Scare and commentary on our overwhelming desire to destroy ourselves. It also bears similarities to "Midwich" because the child has been altered by some power and now she has super-human mental powers--and people are rather afraid of her. Fascinating and well worth seeing.
The film begins with a young girl being examined by military doctors. It seems that she is an incredible super-genius and they are trying to determine how bright she really is. It turns out she is smarter than the scientists and the military folks want to keep her and use her to protect us from 'the enemy'. As time passes, it becomes apparent that she not only is a super-genius but she has insight into what WILL happen in the world. This is a serious problem, as some of her comments sound as if the world as we know it is coming to a swift end--most likely because mankind is essentially stupid. There's quite a bit more to it--so tune in and see this interesting installment.
In many ways, this is an interesting curio of the Red Scare and commentary on our overwhelming desire to destroy ourselves. It also bears similarities to "Midwich" because the child has been altered by some power and now she has super-human mental powers--and people are rather afraid of her. Fascinating and well worth seeing.
