High Treason, Gaumont-British’s first sound film (a silent version was also made to accommodate theatres still not equipped to handle sound) and directed by Maurice Elvey, was to be Britain’s answer to Metropolis, Fritz Lang’s science fiction masterpiece from 1926. Based on a play by Noel Pemberton-Billing, it depicts a not so distant future (1950) where the two main powers are the Federated States of Europe, which include Britain, and the Atlantic States.

This rift between what is in fact Europe and the USA is one of several ideas that seem quite pertinent today in a film that has often been accused of containing too much naïve pacifist propaganda. For High Treason is indeed very much a film about pacifism, drawing on the fears and anxieties that continued to haunt the British public since the end of World War I. As Dr Seymour, the lead character and head of the Peace League, replies when told that people are now too sensible for war, “that’s what they said in 1914!”. Yet, the bombing of the channel tunnel as part of an overall plan by the agitators to use terror to influence the two governments and the comment by the President of the Atlantic States that “We must strike the first blow”, demonstrate that perhaps High Treason may not have been as naïve as was often thought.

The vision of the future offered in High Treason is an ambivalent one. On the one hand, the few people (the lack of diversity would seem to imply that class differences no longer exist) we are shown appear perfectly content and satisfied, with plenty of leisure time and access to technology that enhances their lifestyle without being intrusive. On the other hand, there is an element of coldness, repetition and automation (suggested among others, by a tracking shot moving along rows of desks and typewriters) that, by today’s standards at least, would be considered fairly negative in its lack humanity and individuality. There is also a certain amount of inconsistency at times in the way the technology of the future is portrayed, with, for instance, the showcasing of stylish grenades with a modern design, but guns and planes that look exactly like models from World War I. The science fiction aspect therefore often takes a back seat to the real point of the film, which is pacifism and the fear of war.

High Treason was well received by audiences, and, overall, by most critics as well, who deemed the visuals worthy of Metropolis and praised the direction of Elvey and his skills in visual storytelling. Thanks to solid acting by the likes of Humberston Wright and Basil Gill (and an uncredited short appearance by Raymond Massey in his first role for a British production – 7 years before he would play the role of John Cabal in Things to Come), High Treason is one of the best examples of early science fiction cinema.

Synopsis. Attention: spoilers ahead!

In 1950, a continental divide exists between the Federated States of Europe, which include Britain, and the Atlantic States. A couple trying to smuggle illegal substances (alcohol) into the Federated States of Europe triggers a border incident that creates tension between the two superpowers.

In London, capital of the Federated States of Europe, the politicians are becoming anxious and edgy. Major Michael Dean, from the European Ministry of Air, is in a relationship with Evelyn Seymour, the daughter of Dr. Seymour, the president of the World League of Peace. Dr Seymour, who naturally disapproves of his daughter’s relationship with Dean, is trying to stop the escalation of tension between Europe and America. He argues that agitators are behind the events and are trying to destabilize the world. Seymour encourages the 20 million members of the League of Peace to do everything in their power to avert this war.

Fear is also mounting in New York, seat of the American government. Politicians are preparing for the worse and discussing what an attack on the city would be like. Upon being briefed of the possible consequences of such an attack on New York, the president demands full powers and decides that America should strike the first blow.

The agitators, who are working on behalf of the Arm & Ammunition Corporation, are monitoring the decisions of each government and taking measures to ensure that both governments continue to drive to war. They decide to bomb the channel tunnel, which links London to Paris. The devastation that ensues, and the many who die as a result, prompts the European government to declare war on America. Every man and woman subject to the Conscription act of 1938 is mobilized.

Upon hearing the news, Evelyn Seymour, who is at a function with Major Dean, tries to rally the crowd and to convince them not to join. She also tries to reason with Dean, but at this point, their difference of opinion becomes clear and he orders the army to proceed with the mobilization. Men and women are being led to airfields to enroll and to depart for war.

The headquarters of the World Peace League is now being bombed by the agitators who are concerned about the efforts of Dr Seymour and his daughter to avert the war. Again, the results of the bombing are devastating.

At the airfield, Evelyn Seymour tries to reason with the crowd of women who have been drafted. She manages to persuade them not to go and to stand up to Major Dean and his soldiers. Dean orders his men to fire on the women, but the soldiers refuse.

Meanwhile, Dr Seymour asks for an audience with the President of Europe, stating that he has a message for the world. The president, thinking that Seymour will help him rally the masses, accepts. Instead, Seymour tells the world that Europe will not go to war and that it will seek arbitration. The president pulls out his gun but Seymour kills him first. America stops its plans for war and accepts arbitration. The war is averted.

Dr Seymour is tried for the murder of the president of Europe. He is found guilty and sentenced to death. He welcomes the sentence, content to have prevented another world war.