A Message from Mars (1913 film)

A Message from Mars (1913) is a British science fiction silent film. It is said to be the first British science-fiction film.

History
The story is similar to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol of 1843, but this story was successful as a play written by Richard Ganthony. The play had been issued as a book in 1912 credited to Lester Lurgan (aka Mabel Knowles) and Ganthony. The film is said to be the first British Sci-Fi film and it continues the theme that the rich should care for the poor.

Plot
Horace Parker, played by Charles Hawtrey, is an exceedingly self-centered, wealthy man. Not only is he a miser, but he also expects everyone else to conduct their lives according to his personal convenience.

Parker is engaged to Minnie Templer, but Minnie has discovered Parker's selfishness and she is on the brink of calling off the engagement.

On Christmas Eve, however, a messenger from Mars comes to Earth to show Parker the error of his ways. The two of them become invisible and eavesdrop on all the terrible—and true—things Parker's friends and family are saying about him.

Restoration
In September 2014, the British Film Institute announced that they were putting the restored film online on their website. This version is longer and restores the film's original tinting and toning.

Cast

 * Charles Hawtrey as Horace Parker
 * E. Holman Clark as Ramiel
 * Chrissie Bell as Minnie Templer
 * Frank Hector as Arthur Dicey
 * Hubert Willis as a tramp
 * Kate Tyndale as Aunt Martha
 * Evelyn Beaumont as Bella
 * Eileen Temple as Mrs. Claremce
 * R. Crompton as the God of Mars
 * B. Stanmore as the wounded man
 * Tonie Reith as the wounded man’s wife

Taglines
"A fantastical photo-drama, in four parts."