Harry Stanton

When Worlds Collide -- An impending collision with a runaway star signals the destruction of earth.

An impending collision with a runaway star signals the destruction of Earth. The government refuses to listen to scientists, but private industrialists finance the building of a spaceship, which will carry a limited number of people to another planet to begin a new civilization. As doomsday approaches, they race against time and the panic of those who will be left behind. The potential pulverizing impact of the collision, the massive tidal waves and devastating earthquakes, and the final cosmic smashup make a chilling panorama of disaster. The balance between human and planetary drama is excellently maintained as the movie builds to its fascinating, unforgettable climax.

An impending collision with a runaway star signals the destruction of earth. Private industrialists finance the building of a spaceship, which will carry a limited number of people to another planet to begin a new civilization.

Oscar-winner Spencer Tracy ("Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?," "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde") received his fourth nomination as an exasperated banker who has misgivings about his engaged daughter's groom. Oscar-winner Elizabeth Taylor ("Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," "National Velvet") portrays the daughter. With Oscar-nominees Billie Burke ("The Wizard of Oz") and Russ Tamblyn ("Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Peyton Place"). Directed by Academy Award-winning director Vincente Minnelli ("An American in Paris," "Gigi") and produced by Academy Award-recipient Pandro S. Berman ("Ivanhoe," "Top Hat"). Nominated for Best Picture and Screenplay, this hilarious look at family chaos spawned a sequel. Although remade in 1991 with Steve Martin and Diane Keaton, this classic is considered by many as the best.