New York on Film: The World, the Flesh and the Devil

In The World, the Flesh and the Devil (Ranald MacDougall, 1959, 95 min), on-location film production in post-war New York meets mid-century apocalyptic science fiction. Shot on location throughout the city, and featuring empty streets that recall recent pandemic scenes, the film confronts racism in a direct way that is rare for a Cold War era sci-fi film at the time. The film was adapted from the 1901 speculative fiction novel "The Purple Cloud" by Caribbean-British author M. P. Shiel, and stars Inger Stevens, Mel Ferrer, and the late, great Harry Belafonte.
Special introductory speaker to be announced shortly!
This screening is part of our year-long series, New York on Film: Decade by Decade, programmed by Jessica Green. The series accompanies the Museum's centennial exhibition, This Is New York: 100 Years of the City in Art and Pop Culture.
Event Timeline:
6:00 pm - Doors open to Pontarelli Terrace (first floor); drinks & popcorn available for purchase
6:45 pm - Short introduction (speaker to be announced)
7:00 pm - Film program begins: The World, The Flesh and the Devil (Ranald MacDougall, 1959, 95 min)
8:35 pm - Program ends, Museum closes
Event Logistics (subject to changed based on NYC regulations):
- In case of rain, this event will move indoors into Ronay Menschel Hall (Ground Floor).
- Please contact programs@mcny.org with any questions or ticketing issues.
- All sales are final; refunds not permitted. Exchanges and credit for future programs only. Programs and dates may be subject to change.
General Admission $20 | Members $15
New York on Film is the centennial year edition of the Museum's ongoing Moonlight & Movies series.
Members: To receive your discount, click on the "Buy Tickets" button above, then sign in to your account on the ticketing page.
Groups of 10 or more get discounts; contact us at programs@mcny.org or 917.492.3395.
Accessibility: Assistive listening devices are available and our auditorium wheelchair lift can accommodate manual and motorized wheelchairs (max. capacity 500 lbs). Please contact the Museum at 917.492.3333 or info@mcny.org with any questions.