I have had a number of emails over the years asking, What is your favorite movie, novel, television show… the list goes on. I have my patented answer which is, “I can never pick just one.” However, if you were ask, what is my favorite story, the answer is pretty clear. My favorite story is, When worlds collide written by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer in 1933. It was later made into a film in 1951 and was a box office success, but not a hit. It did win the 1951 Academy Award for special effects, and It was also nominated for Best Cinematography-Color.

Why do I love the story? I first read it as young lad of 13-14ish. I remember being so scared that for the next few days I could not go to sleep at night. I found out there was a sequel to the book called, After the Worlds Collide. I decided right then and there I would not be reading that one. Fast forward a couple years and decided to reread the book and its follow-up. This time I was struck by the whole idea of there being another world out there and I was hooked.

What is the story about? Sven Bronson, a South African astronomer, discovers that a pair of rogue planets, Bronson Alpha and Bronson Beta, will soon enter the solar system and will pass close enough to cause catastrophic damage. Sixteen months later, after swinging around the Sun, Bronson Alpha will return to pulverize the Earth and leave. It is hoped that Bronson Beta will remain and assume a stable orbit. Scientists work desperately to build an atomic rocket to transport enough people, animals and equipment to Bronson Beta in an attempt to save the human race.

Did you watch the movie? I knew that it had been made into a movie. Back in those days there was no internet, rentals or even movie stores. So, it was not until the early 80’s, when I bought my first VHS player, that I finally saw the film version. I fell for it all over again, I purchased a copy for ninety-eight dollars and solidified it as one of my favorite tales of all time.

Today both the books and movie are dated, but the story remains. I still love the characters and what what they went through to save the world. Paramount Pictures began pre-production on a When Worlds Collide remake in 2013, but as of April 2017, nothing new has emerged as to when it might be released.

This Week’s Podcast:

On the podcast this week we have stories about a captured rocketship and the crew’s attempt to regain control, a tale of poison toadstools and special story from you guys. You can listen to this podcast on Thursday at Ron’s Amazing Stories, download it from iTunes, stream it on TuneIn Radio or listen to it on your radio Saturday night at 6pm Eastern time. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.