You are here:

World Without End

Name: World Without End
Director: Edward Bernds
Released: 1956
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

1956

Director

Edward Bernds

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

World Without End reflects the conventional social and narrative structures of its time, utilizing common science fiction themes such as the 'othering' of mutated populations and exploring a post-atomic wasteland. While the film addresses societal collapse and environmental struggles, it does not intentionally offer multi-layered complexity. The narrative does not actively seek to disrupt traditional hierarchies or provide diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the film functions as a typical mid-century adventure, prioritizing a traditional Western survival narrative over progressive social critique or diverse character representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does World Without End have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It follows the typical straight and cisgender social structures common in 1950s science fiction.

How does World Without End portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around a male crew of astronauts, where ability to act is concentrated among the men. Gender roles are portrayed traditionally, without challenging or presenting masculinity in a non-traditional manner.

How racially and ethnically diverse is World Without End?

Limited

The plot centers on a future divided between 'normals' and 'mutants.' There is no indication of a non-white or diverse cast in this post-apocalyptic world.

How does World Without End represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film serves as a cautionary tale about atomic warfare and systemic collapse. It operates within a traditional Western framework focusing on survival and discovery.

Does World Without End include disability representation?

Fair

Mutated individuals are shown living like cavemen. This portrayal risks using physical differences as a symbol for 'otherness,' rather than giving these characters real ability to act.

Present on Screen

Explores the consequences of atomic warfare and technological optimism.
Introduces themes of systemic collapse and environmental survival in a devastated future.

Limited or Absent

Relies on clichés that categorize physical difference or mutation as a regression from normalcy.
Lacks diverse representation across gender, race, and LGBTQ+ identities.
Maintains traditional mid-century hierarchies rather than challenging social norms.

Official Synopsis

Four astronauts returning from man's first mission to Mars enter a time warp and crash on a 26th-century Earth devastated by atomic war. At first unaware where they are, but finding the atmosphere safe to breathe, they start exploring and find themselves in a divided future where disfigured mutants living like cavemen inhabit the surface, while the normals live comfortably below the surface but are dying as a race from lack of natural water, air and sunlight.

How are these scores produced? →