A Trip to Mars (1918): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1918, A Trip to Mars is a fantasy, adventure and science fiction film directed by Holger-Madsen, running about 81 minutes.

What it’s about. The navy captain Avanti Planetaros is inspired by his astronomer-father to travel through outer space to reach other worlds. He becomes an aviator and, along with the young scientist Dr. Krafft, the driving force behind the construction of a space-ship. Despite oppostion from the mocking Professor Dubius, Planetaros gathers a crew of fearless men and takes off. During the long voyage, the crew becomes restless; a mutiny is narrowly avoided. Finally, they reach Mars and discover that the planet is inhabited by people who have reached a higher stage of development, free of diseases, sorrow, violence, sexual urges, and the fear of death. Avanti falls in love with Marya, daughter of the Prince of Wisdom, the head of the Martians. Marya shares his feelings and decides to return with him in order to bring the wisdom of the Martians to the backward Earthlings. (stumfilm.dk)

Who’s in it. A Trip to Mars stars Gunnar Tolnæs as Avanti Planetaros, Zanny Petersen as Corona, Nicolai Neiiendam as Professor Planetaros and Alf Blütecher as Dr. Krafft, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, A Trip to Mars has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch A Trip to Mars page.

If you liked it. Fans of A Trip to Mars tend to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Green Mile, Spirited Away and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.