Time Travelers (1966 TV Movie) User Reviews

fascinating minimalist sci-fi drama, made in Japan with (small) American cast

[django-1 · 8/10 · 12 July 2005]

Running at just under an hour, TIME TRAVELLERS is a fascinating minimalist drama, much like a TWILIGHT ZONE episode, involving an American who lives and works in Japan and is employed at a nearby military installation. He lives with his wife and daughter (and dog, who is billed), and one morning time seems to stop, yet he continues on. His "double" also appears, but all other people vanish. Directed by and starring American actor Robert Dunham (best known for his roles in films such as DAGORA THE SPACE MONSTER and GODZILLA VS MAGALON), the film is VERY low budget, uses just a few set-ups and is somewhat leisurely paced (although maybe the Japanese do not require the fast pace found in American films). Many not used to low-budget film-making would find it amateurish and poorly paced, but it's actually a fascinating piece of work that creates an interesting tension and does a lot with a little. I acquired a copy from the director about twelve years ago, and just watched it again, and I like it even more this time around. Collectors of low-budget regional curios should love this film, and aspiring filmmakers could learn how little it takes to make an actual feature film when you have an interesting concept and some unique-looking locations. Highly recommended. A shame that Mr. Dunham did not direct any other films (that I know of)!