A scientist explains how the savagery and efficiency of the insect world could result in their taking over the world.A scientist explains how the savagery and efficiency of the insect world could result in their taking over the world.A scientist explains how the savagery and efficiency of the insect world could result in their taking over the world.
- Won 1 Oscar
- 3 wins & 1 nomination total
Photos
Conlan Carter
- Farmer
- (uncredited)
Ian McShane
- Charlie Cartwright
- (archive footage)
- (uncredited)
Suzanne Pleshette
- Self - Actress in Film Clip from If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium
- (archive footage)
- (uncredited)
- Directors
- Walon Green
- Ed Spiegel(Hellstrom Sequence)
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDavid Wolper and Cinema 5 got audiences into theatres to see this documentary by promoting it as if it were a science fiction thriller.
- Quotes
Dr. Hellstrom: Compared with Man, we have to admit that the insect does not display what we can describe as intelligence. But don't feel too proud about that, because where there is no intelligence, there is also no stupidity.
- Crazy creditsEnd Credits: Nils Hellstrom, M.S., Ph.D., is a fictional character who was portrayed by Lawrance Pressman. His statements relating to the impermanence of the human species have been synthesized from contemporary opinions. All statements about the insect world are factual and have been reviewed by Roy Snelling and Charles Hogue, Ph.D., of the Entomology Department, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History.
- ConnectionsFeatures The Naked Jungle (1954)
Featured review
Now, this is the way to make a documentary!
For 10 plus years, "The Hellstrom Chronicle" was regularly plugged into the 2am/4am movie slot on a local station in the middle 80's through 90's. Too bad it couldn't get more coverage, because this is how a documentary should be made.
The problem with documentaries is if you focus too much on the clinical data, it becomes dry. If yo try to interject drama into it, you run the risk of sending up the piece, into parody or even farce. Hellstrom interjects just the right amount of fiction, in the form of Lawrence Pressman, that links the documentary portions at a pace that keeps it from losing one's interest. It's obvious that "Dr." Hellstrom, a fictitious entomologist, is paranoid that insects will take over the world through their superiority over men. The most interesting thing, though, is he may very well be right! If the insect world footage has any say in how future matters may turn out, it will.
Of particular interest is the portion of the footage devoted to the driver ants. As has been quoted in other reviews, this is a prime example of "How DID they film that?!" documentary in motion. It's an inspiration out of "Leinengen Vs. The Ants," only it's real!
If you can find this "movie," give it a roll. Expand your mind a bit with some facts, while at the same time, become entertained by Dr. Hellstrom... even if he isn't a real doctor, but, he plays one on TV! (Actually, he did! Pressman went on to play one on Doogie Howser, M.D.)
The problem with documentaries is if you focus too much on the clinical data, it becomes dry. If yo try to interject drama into it, you run the risk of sending up the piece, into parody or even farce. Hellstrom interjects just the right amount of fiction, in the form of Lawrence Pressman, that links the documentary portions at a pace that keeps it from losing one's interest. It's obvious that "Dr." Hellstrom, a fictitious entomologist, is paranoid that insects will take over the world through their superiority over men. The most interesting thing, though, is he may very well be right! If the insect world footage has any say in how future matters may turn out, it will.
Of particular interest is the portion of the footage devoted to the driver ants. As has been quoted in other reviews, this is a prime example of "How DID they film that?!" documentary in motion. It's an inspiration out of "Leinengen Vs. The Ants," only it's real!
If you can find this "movie," give it a roll. Expand your mind a bit with some facts, while at the same time, become entertained by Dr. Hellstrom... even if he isn't a real doctor, but, he plays one on TV! (Actually, he did! Pressman went on to play one on Doogie Howser, M.D.)
helpful•211
- Dr Wily
- Jan 17, 2004
- How long is The Hellstrom Chronicle?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Die Hellstrom-Chronik
- Filming locations
- Las Vegas, Nevada, USA(Nuclear Test Site Mercury NV)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $39,767
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By what name was The Hellstrom Chronicle (1971) officially released in India in English?
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