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
Aerial Submarine A Startling Forecast. Piracy in Sea and Air Aerial Submarine A Startling Forecast. Piracy in Sea and Air
Science Fiction 1910 9 mins Silent
Follow two kidnapped children on a surreal pirate adventure in this 'trick' sci-fi fantasy.
The Airship Destroyer The Airship Destroyer
Science Fiction 1909 10 mins Silent
England faces aerial invasion in this entertaining Edwardian science fiction fantasy.
Ever Been Had Ever Been Had
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1917 9 mins Silent
Blackly comic cartoon portrait of an apocalyptic England, destroyed 50 years after signing a premature peace in WWI.
Everything but Everything in Bri-nylon Everything but Everything in Bri-nylon
Industry sponsored film 1959 20 mins
50s fashion meets carpet kitsch in a futuristic fantasy of domestic bliss - courtesy of versatile, magical Bri-Nylon.
Fugitive Futurist Fugitive Futurist
Science Fiction 1924 12 mins
An on-the-run inventor claims to have invented a camera which looks into the future, showing a grim destiny for London landmarks like Tower Bridge and Trafalgar Square.
High Treason (silent version) High Treason (silent version)
Science Fiction 1929 75 mins Silent
A terrorist plot plays out on a backdrop of towering skyscrapers, bullet-railways and silver lamé in this vintage vision of London's future.
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.