<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

When Worlds Collide
Release Date	August, 1951
Genre	sci fi, disaster
Director	Rudolph Maté
Screenwriter	Edwin Balmer (novel) Sydney Boehm
Stars	Richard Derr Barbara Rush Peter Hansen John Hoyt Larry Keating Hayden Rorke Sandro Giglio Rachel Ames
Studio	Paramount Pictures

When Worlds Collide is a 1951 film based on Philip Gordon Wylie and Edwin Balmer novel of the same name.

Synopsis

An astronomer believes that a rogue star and planet are headed towards Earth and will result in the destruction of the planet and all life on it. He brings his findings before the UN but his assertions of an unavoidable doomsday are not accepted and other scientists counter his findings with statements that despite the approaching star, Earth will be safe. Nevertheless, he and his small group of associates begin working on a plot to save a select group of humanity by building ships that will transport them to the rogue star's planet which they hope is habitable. The project is financed by a wealthy but bitter and paralyzed millionaire, Sydney Stanton, who believes the worst of humanity.

Despite Stanton's desire to choose who gets to live and die, Dr. Bronson reserves that option for himself and the preparations begin. As the star makes its first pass and cities are abandoned to tidal waves and other disasters, The group completes their ships and prepare for liftoff. Stanton's fears prove correct when those who've worked hard to build the vessel become unsatisfied with the lottery which decides who gets to join the limited number on board the ship. They attempt to storm the ship and Bronson sacrifices his life and Stanton's to ensure the plan's success.

Earth is destroyed and the survivors on board the vessel make a safe landing on their new home planet.