This film is part of Free
High Treason (sound version)
Extravagantly-mounted futuristic sci-fi, now with added sound, although still with the world's two power blocs at loggerheads.
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.
Related
The Perfect Woman The Perfect Woman
Comedy 1949 87 mins
In a bid to improve on nature, a scientist creates a robot female. But the experiment doesn't quite turn out as planned...
Miranda Miranda
Comedy 1948 80 mins
A man goes fishing and comes home with a most unusual catch in this comedy feature.
Pop Pirates Pop Pirates
Action and Adventure 1984 58 mins Director: Jack Grossman
Home taping almost kills music as a schoolboy band's dreams of talent show glory may be scuppered by video piracy.
Bless 'em All Bless 'em All
Comedy 1948 71 mins
AWOL for more than half a century, but now back on parade, this cheery army comedy is a showcase for variety star Hal Monty and a young Max Bygraves.
The Private Life of Don Juan The Private Life of Don Juan
Comedy 1934 87 mins
Husbands lock up their wives when the renowned Romeo returns to Seville; but the man wooing the city’s ladies is not what he seems.
Madness of the Heart Madness of the Heart
Melodrama 1949 90 mins
The path to true love never runs smooth, but poor Margaret Lockwood gets more of a bumpy ride than anyone deserves in this post-war melodrama.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.