First Time Machine

Fredric Brown's "First Time Machine" originally ran as a one-page story in the September 1955 issue of "Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine." It's a quick read with a mildly amusing punchline-not the kind of thing that that would've stuck with me. But Jay Woelfel clearly saw more in it. He licensed the rights, expanded the characters, and self-financed this short film.

The movie sticks to the same core story, but the characters have actual personalities this time around, there's a new character, plus an added layer of social commentary that would've made Rod Serling proud. The cast has good chemistry and the performances feel natural. The opening takes place in a lab at Bowling Green State University (where, if I'm not mistaken, cinematographer Jose Cardenas teaches), but it doesn't feel claustrophobic, and once the action moves outside, the visuals shine. And speaking of visuals, the animated credits sequences are hypnotic.

It doesn't exactly break new ground, but it's a charming little micro-budget film that would fit right in with a Twilight Zone revival.