The Flaming Sword

Original title: Verdens Undergang

1916
1h 17m

IMDb RATING

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A comet, passing by Earth, causes rioting, social unrest, and major disasters that destroy the world.A comet, passing by Earth, causes rioting, social unrest, and major disasters that destroy the world.A comet, passing by Earth, causes rioting, social unrest, and major disasters that destroy the world.

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IMDb RATING

6.5/10

467

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

User reviews9

Featured review

8/10

Excellent early silent movie

This Danish 1916 movie features many elements of modern disaster movies (sans sound and colour), enriched by a thick religious and social overlays. Although the obvious religious parable felt seemingly strong, the underlying social commentary to me felt even stronger. Smart choice of using a natural disaster over the then raging world war helps with the dynamics of the narrative. This brings us to the special effect, which were surprisingly convincing, considering the age. Elements of natural acting over the then popular theatrical one were also a pleasant surprise. All in all, an impressive early effort.

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Trivia
Although this film was known in most countries as The End of the World, the British exhibitors decided to change the title to The Flaming Sword, even though the story contained no swords, flaming or otherwise. Possibly the original title was deemed inappropriate for a film coming out in the middle of WW1. Nordisk Films announced previews in Kinematograph Weekly for press and trade, week commencing 8 May 1916. These were screened at the Nordisk "private showrooms" in Wardour Street, London. Also ran in London at the Brixton Palladium from 20 November 1916.