The Time Machine film poster – La Machine a Explorer le temps affiche – Roger Soubie – 1960
This is a superb reproduction of the stunning The Time Machine film poster created for the French release of one of the finest sci-fi movies of the 1960s. The dramatic and colourful poster was created by the French artist Roger Soubie, who was best known for his many French travel posters. Soubie’s remarkable image captures Rod Taylor as H George Wells and Yvette Mimieux as the Eloi, Weena in the dark underground tunnels. The couple are surrounded by several menacing Morlocks. The Time Traveller is depicted brandishing a burning torch to fend off ape-like humanoids protecting both himself and Weena. The illustration for this French Grande La Machine a Explorer Le Temps poster is an outstanding piece of artwork by Roger Soubie, based on original designs by Reynold Brown who created the original US release versions of the film poster.
The Time Machine film
If you weren’t born in the 1960s or 1970s, it’s almost impossible to understand the impact this film had. The Time Machine is a science fiction story written by the great HG Wells and published in 1895. The book is widely credited with the popularisation of the concept of using a vehicle or device to ‘time-travel through time. The term “time machine”, coined by Wells, is now almost universally used to refer to such a vehicle or device.
The 1960 American period science fiction film, The Time Machine was produced and directed by George Pal. It stars Rod Taylor as H. George Wells, Alan Young as Filby, Yvette Mimieux as Weena, Sebastian Cabot as Dr. Philip Hillyer, Tom Helmore as Anthony Bridewell,
Whit Bissell as Walter Kemp, and Doris Lloyd as Mrs. Watchett.
The film’s synopsis follows H. George Wells, an inventor in Victorian England who constructs a machine that enables him to travel into the distant future. Once there, he discovers that mankind’s descendants have been divided into two species, the passive, childlike, and vegetarian Eloi and the underground-dwelling Morlocks, who feed on the Eloi.
The film was based on the 1895 novella of the same name by H. G. Wells which was influential on the development of science fiction. Ironically, time hasn’t been kind to the film. The improvements in techniques over the last sixty-five years, make the special effects in the film look basic and dated. However, at the time they were ground-breaking. Gene Warren and Tim Baar received the Academy Award for Best Special Effects that year for its time-lapse photographic effects, which show the world changing rapidly as the time traveler journeys into the future.
Without The Time Machine film there would have been no Tardis in Doctor Who, no jumping through time and space, rectifying historical mistakes for Dr Sam Beckett in five, yes FIVE! series of Quantum Leap. There would have been no going Back to the Future for Marty McFly and Doc Brown – and by proxy no boy band called McFly!. It even influenced and inspired Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady and Steven Molaro, the writers of The Big Bang Theory. The entire 14th episode ‘The Nerdvana Annihilation’ from the first series was an homage to the film.
The film only gets a 79% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. I don’t mind… this was one of my favourite childhood films, and I still have The Time Machine film poster on my wall to this very day!
How much is an original La Machine a Explorer le temps film poster worth?
Original lithographic prints produced to promote the French release of The Time Machine movie do show up for sale or at auction periodically. Because there are several points of interest with the subject matter they appeal to quite a wide variety of poster collectors. Fans of author HG Wells, early sci-fi movie buffs, Rod Steiger fans as well as people who still love the film make this poster reasonably well sought-after. Currently (2022) original 47×63″ lithographic copies of most of the French Grande The Time Machine Posters command prices of around the €2,000 price.
There’s no argument from us, if you can find an original copy and can afford to buy it, you’re on to a winner. There’s nothing like owning an original vintage poster and they often make a great investment. Chances are in just a few years you’ll be able to sell it for more than you paid for it. Unfortunately, for most of us, an investment, even at the entry-level prices of the collectible poster isn’t even close to being a possibility. This is where our stunning high-quality reproductions come into their own. They cost a fraction of an original and look absolutely fantastic when they’re framed and hung on your living room wall.
There’s no need to travel back in time to get hold of our stunning reproduction print. If you’re a fan of the film The Time Machine, then you’ll want this French poster. It’s a great addition to any collection, and it’s sure to get people talking. The poster’s dramatic and effective design, perfectly captures the spirit of the film. If you’re looking for a superb piece of movie memorabilia, then this is the perfect poster for you. Order yours today and we’ll deliver in no time at all!
