High Treason (1929)
A bold British sci-fi drama from 1929 that imagined a world on the brink of catastrophic war — and pleaded for peace.
High Treason - Movie Information
- Original Title: High Treason
- Release Year: 1929
- Directed by: Maurice Elvey
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Drama, Sci-Fi
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 25, 1929 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Point ne tueras (FR)
- Production Companies: Gaumont-British Picture Corporation
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
High Treason - Plot
The year is 1940 and tension is growing between the empires of United Europe and the Atlantic States. A bloody border incident puts both sides on high alert.
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High Treason - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Maurice Elvey
Main Cast
- Jameson Thomas
- Benita Hume
- Humberston Wright
- Basil Gill
- Edith Barker Bennett
- James Carew
- Alf Goddard
- Judd Green
- Clifford Heatherley
- Hayford Hobbs
Writers
- L'Estrange Fawcett
High Treason - FAQs
What is High Treason about?
High Treason is set in a then-futuristic 1940, where two rival superpowers — United Europe and the Atlantic States — teeter on the edge of all-out war after a deadly border incident. A peace movement fights desperately to prevent catastrophe, making the film a remarkably prescient anti-war statement for its era.
Was High Treason ahead of its time as a film?
Absolutely. Released in 1929, High Treason imagined a world of television screens, air armadas, and federated superstates — technologies and geopolitical structures that felt like pure fantasy then. Its vision of a Europe on the brink of mechanized war proved eerily prophetic just a decade later, making it a fascinating artifact of interwar anxiety.
Who directed High Treason and when was it released?
Maurice Elvey directed High Treason, one of Britain's most prolific filmmakers of the silent and early sound era. The film was released in the United States on March 25, 1929, and stands as one of the earliest British science fiction films ever made.
Who are the main actors in High Treason?
The cast is led by Jameson Thomas as Michael Deane and Benita Hume as Evelyn Seymour. They're joined by Humberston Wright, Basil Gill, James Carew, and Judd Green, among others. A young Raymond Massey also appears in a supporting role as a member of the Federated States Council.
Is High Treason based on a true story?
No, High Treason is a work of speculative fiction. It's adapted from a stage play by Noel Pemberton Billing, imagining a future world of rival empires and imminent war. While not based on real events, its themes drew heavily from the political tensions and pacifist movements of post-World War I Europe.
What genre is High Treason?
High Treason blends War, Drama, and Science Fiction into a compelling mix that was genuinely unusual for 1929. It's a futuristic political thriller at heart, using a sci-fi setting to deliver a passionate anti-war message — making it one of the earliest examples of socially conscious science fiction cinema.
How long is High Treason?
High Treason runs for 95 minutes. For a film from 1929, that's a substantial runtime, reflecting the ambition of the production. It was released in both silent and early sound versions, which was common during the transitional period between the silent era and the talkies.
What are some movies similar to High Treason?
If you enjoy High Treason's blend of speculative politics and anti-war drama, you might appreciate Catch-22 (1970), Civil War (2024), Avalon (2001), or Frequency (2000). For something closer in spirit to its futuristic dystopian tone, Ghost in the Shell 2.0 (2008) and No Escape (1994) are worth exploring.
More About High Treason
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