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Poster for The World, the Flesh and the Devil

The World, the Flesh and the Devil

Seen it?

1959 | 95 min | Drama, Science Fiction, Romance

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics and sci-fi fans. If you loved On the Beach or The Day After, start here.
The mood
Harrowing, warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1959: an older pace and style.

Ralph Burton is a miner who is trapped for several days as a result of a cave-in. When he finally manages to dig himself out, he realizes that all of mankind seems to have been destroyed in a nuclear holocaust. He travels to New York City only to find it deserted. Making a life for himself there, he is flabbergasted to eventually find Sarah Crandall, who also managed to survive. Together, they form a close friendship until the arrival of Benson Thacker who has managed to pilot his small boat into the city's harbor. At this point, tensions rise between the three, particularly between Thacker, who is white, and Burton, who is black.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 45K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ranald MacDougall

  • Harry BelafonteRalph Burton
  • Inger StevensSarah Crandall
  • Mel FerrerBenson Thacker