Five (1951)
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100% of users liked it
(8 ratings)
One of the most pretentious "apocalypse" films ever made, Five is set in a lavish Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house--owned by Arch Oboler, the film's writer/producer/director. The "five" of the title are the only survivors of a nuclear disaster, all of whom have rather… More One of the most pretentious "apocalypse" films ever made, Five is set in a lavish Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house--owned by Arch Oboler, the film's writer/producer/director. The "five" of the title are the only survivors of a nuclear disaster, all of whom have rather illogically converged in this house. William Phipps, the hero, was left untouched by the explosion because he'd been alone in an Empire State Building elevator! He is the first to arrive at the house, and is joined in quick succession by a pregnant woman (Susan Douglas), a fascistic soldier of fortune (James Anderson), an African American doorman (Charles Lampkin) and a shell-shocked bank clerk (Earl Lee). The clerk mercifully dies of radiation early on, leaving the remaining four to converse at great and boring length on all things philosophical. At long, long last, only the hero and the woman are left alive to do the "Adam and Eve" bit. Though Arch Oboler was one of the greatest radio writers of all time, Five proves that he was in over his head as a filmmaker; the dialogue evokes laughter rather than profound thought, and the plotline has logic holes big enough to drive trucks through. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Arch Oboler
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Unrated,
- On DVD
- Feb 24, 2009
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Admirably grave, indelible parable of nuclear unease
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Sean Axmaker, Turner Classic Movies Online
For all of his budgetary limitations, it's a strikingly atmospheric and handsome film and [Arch] Oboler creates an eerie sense isolation with simple techniques.
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Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
Interesting in many ways, like its director (Arch Oboler), Five falls short of really hitting home.
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Prairie Miller, NewsBlaze
While survivors with too much time on their hands argue, joke and flirt in the wilderness, enough juice finally kicks in from a found generator for waltzes to start playing on 45s. And not exactly a Hollywood happy ending, but with vintage charm to spare.
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Cast
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William Phipps
as Michael
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Susan Douglas Rubes
as Roseanne
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James Anderson
as Eric
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Charles Lampkin
as Charles
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Earl Lee
as Barnstaple
- Louis de Funès
