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The World, the Flesh and the Devil poster
6.4 / 10(84 votes)IMDbNR19591h 35mUnited States of America

The World, the Flesh and the Devil

“The Most Unusual Story Ever Told!”

Synopsis

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.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

The World, the Flesh and the Devil Official Trailer #1 - Mel Ferrer Movie (1959) HD

Type: Trailer • Published 2012-10-05

Release History & Theatrical Window

World Premiere

Cleveland, Ohio

Festival / Special Debut

Theatrical Premiere

May 1, 1959

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Ranald MacDougall
Screenplay & Story
Ranald MacDougall
Original Score
Miklós Rózsa
Original Title
The World, the Flesh and the Devil
Country of Origin
United States of America
Spoken Languages
French, English
Runtime
1h 35m
Production Studios
HarBel Productions, Sol C. Siegel Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Ranald MacDougall

Screenplay & Story

Ranald MacDougall, Ferdinand Reyher, M.P. Shiel

Original Score & Music

Miklós Rózsa

Director of Photography

Harold J. Marzorati

Film Editing

Harold F. Kress

Producers

Harry Belafonte, George Englund, Sol C. Siegel

Department Leadership Roster

Miklós Rózsa

Miklós Rózsa

Original Music Composer

Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte

Producer

Harold J. Marzorati

Director of Photography

Ranald MacDougall

Director

George Englund

George Englund

Producer

Harold F. Kress

Editor

Ranald MacDougall

Screenplay

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: NR

NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.

International Certification Matrix

United States (MPAA)NR

Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for The World, the Flesh and the Devil.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The World, the Flesh and the Devil.

Apocalypse

The end of the world as we know it, and what comes after. Civilisation-wide collapse, mass extinction, the imminent end, and survival or rebuilding after catastrophe. Comedy, romance, horror, animation, action and disaster all welcome. A local disaster, ordinary dystopia, or incidental world-ending stakes alone is insufficient. Mainly English-language, with selected international exceptions. Individually selected films, not automatic franchise imports. Independently curated using BFI end-of-world and post-apocalyptic selections, with film-by-film editorial additions. Not an official BFI list.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The World, the Flesh and the Devil

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is The World, the Flesh and the Devil about?

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.

Who directed The World, the Flesh and the Devil?

The World, the Flesh and the Devil was directed by Ranald MacDougall.

Who stars in The World, the Flesh and the Devil?

The principal cast of The World, the Flesh and the Devil includes Harry Belafonte, Inger Stevens, Mel Ferrer.

When was The World, the Flesh and the Devil released and how long is it?

The World, the Flesh and the Devil was released in 1959 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.

Who composed the musical score for The World, the Flesh and the Devil?

The original motion picture soundtrack for The World, the Flesh and the Devil was composed by Miklós Rózsa.

What is the age rating and content advisory for The World, the Flesh and the Devil?

The World, the Flesh and the Devil holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).