However, nothing but minor tidal disturbances have been observed so far". Scientists agree that the world's abrupt slowing on its axis should have produced a global catastrophe leading, perhaps, to the destruction of all life. The dramatic radio broadcast appearing in the beginning of Silverberg's version indicates that, when writing, he was familiar with the Wells story: "Latest observatory reports confirm that no appreciable momentum effects could be detected as Earth shifted to its present period of rotation. The three stories share the assumption that – the miracle in this case issuing directly from God in person, rather than from Wells' fumbling human protagonist – care was taken to prevent the disastrous results evident in the original Wells story. Dickson and "Thomas the Proclaimer" by Robert Silverberg. The three resulting stories were published together under the name "The Day the Sun Stood Still", comprising "A Chapter of Revelation" by Poul Anderson, "Things Which Are Caesar's" by Gordon R. The idea of the world stopping rotating was taken up in 1972 by Lester del Rey, who suggested to three SF writers to write stories based on the assumption that God does it in order to unequivocally prove His existence to all humanity. The story idea was used as the basis for director Terry Jones's 2015 film Absolutely Anything. It continued to be adapted on several occasions for BBC Radio, including 1956 by Dennis Main Wilson and broadcast on New Year's Day. It was first adapted for BBC Radio in 1934 by Laurence Gilliam and broadcast on 4 June that year. Wells co-wrote the screenplay with Lajos Bíró. In 1936, the story was adapted to a film starring Roland Young as Fotheringay. The all-knowing narrator thus tells the reader that he or she had died "a year ago" (the story was published in 1897) and was then resurrected - but has no recollection of anything special having happened. Fotheringay immediately finds himself back in the public house, discussing miracles with his friends as before, without any recollection of previous events. He repents, and wishes that the power be taken from him and the world restored to a time before he had the power. In fact (though he is not aware of the enormity of what he had done) the whole of humanity except for himself had perished in a single instant.įotheringay is unable to return the Earth to its prior state. Pandemonium ensues, but Fotheringay miraculously ensures his own safety back on the ground. His clumsy wording of the wish causes all objects on Earth to be hurled from the surface with great force. Fotheringay agrees and stops the motion of the Earth. He suggests that they could disregard their obligations for the next day if Fotheringay could stop the night altogether. That night they walk the town streets, healing illness and vice and improving public works. After a few petty demonstrations, the minister becomes enthusiastic and suggests that Fotheringay should use these abilities to benefit others. Fotheringay is deeply moved, and meets Maydig in his manse for advice. Maydig, preaches about unnatural occurrences. Unnerved by these miracles, Fotheringay attends local Sunday church services. In the ensuing altercation, Fotheringay unintentionally sends the policeman to Hades hours later, Fotheringay relocates him safely to San Francisco. He encounters a local constable, who is accidentally injured. After magically accomplishing his daily chores as an office clerk, Fotheringay quits early to a park to practice further. His acquaintances think it a trick and quickly dismiss it.įotheringay explores his new power. By way of demonstration, Fotheringay commands an oil lamp to flame upside down and it does so, to his own astonishment. In an English public house, George McWhirter Fotheringay vigorously asserts the impossibility of miracles during an argument.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |