William F. Temple's novel of 1949 was an expansion of his short story, The Four Sided Triangle published in 1939!
In both Temple’s novel and the 1953 film adaptation we have two scientists falling in love with the same woman (Lena). Having invented a duplicating machine, the dilemma it is hoped will be resolved by creating another Lena.
In both Temple’s novel and the 1953 film adaptation we have two scientists falling in love with the same woman (Lena). Having invented a duplicating machine, the dilemma it is hoped will be resolved by creating another Lena.
The question is: Can the use of a scientific device that can reproduce anything possibly be a solution to the eternal love triangle?
Temple’s novel delves more thoroughly into the characters' difficulties and sorrow before and after the duplication of a second Lena. There is also a greater emphasis on philosophical and moral considerations as well as on the relationships between the characters.
The story is told from the point of view of an aging doctor who was involved in the events and lives of the characters. It is very well written, in a style that sadly belongs to another era in which words and their use actually mattered!
The story is told from the point of view of an aging doctor who was involved in the events and lives of the characters. It is very well written, in a style that sadly belongs to another era in which words and their use actually mattered!
Four Sided Triangle (1953) is one of the earliest movies about cloning / duplicating a person. Like the original book version, the story involves a love triangle which soon develops into a four sided love triangle with the addition of a complicating fourth side. The film is in the tradition of Frankenstein-type films in which a man almost takes on the role of God and creates life with terrible consequences for himself and those around him.
Four Sided Triangle is a thought-provoking and engaging film despite its low budget constraints and somewhat disappointing ending.
Four Sided Triangle is a thought-provoking and engaging film despite its low budget constraints and somewhat disappointing ending.
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Check out both the Classic Sci-Fi Double Feature Page AND the Classic Sci-Fi Radio Play Page. Both pages feature new (classic vintage) material all about “ROBOTS!!”
Check out both the Classic Sci-Fi Double Feature Page AND the Classic Sci-Fi Radio Play Page. Both pages feature new (classic vintage) material all about “ROBOTS!!”
