Based on John Christopher’s novel of the same name, No Blade of Grass is a post-apocalyptic tale about a strange new virus, which only attacks strains of grasses such as wheat and rice, and the world is descending into famine and chaos. Architect John Custance, along with his family and a handful of friends, is making his way from London to his brother’s farm in northern England where there will hopefully be food and safety. Along the way they encounter hostile soldiers, biker gangs, and all manner of people willing to kill them for food.

Director Cornel Wilde’s bleak locales and deliberate pacing help bring out the desperation that is inherent in the story. Wilde also does a good job of putting very moral characters in difficult situations and while, at times, it can seem a bit heavy-handed, he never crosses the line. If you find you like this film, also check out Wilde’s “Beach Red” and “The Naked Prey”.

No Blade of Grass is a solid post-apocalyptic drama that, while sometimes self-indulgent and dated, is still a great watch. If you’re a fan of such movies as “The Quiet Earth”, “Panic in Year Zero”, or “A Boy and His Dog”, I suggest you check this film out. Since it’s not currently in print, No Blade of Grass can be found here at Cinema de Bizarre or if you’re really nice perhaps I’ll burn you a copy and send it to you.

Film flaws and other oddities:
1. We see the new moon very close to the sun (though showing far too much crescent for such a small angle). A few scenes later, Brian Marsh is looking at a full moon, then a few more scenes later, we see the new moon again near the sun. That night, we see the full moon again.
2. The scene in which Donald Pleasence’s Priest character throws the axe at the mirror we never see him pick up the axe.
3. The student radiologist Susan Cabot says she has been “carbon dating the corrosion on the lid” of the cylinder, and “we’re talking about 7 million years”. Carbon dating is used to determine the age of materials, usually organic, containing carbon, not metal corrosion substances, and is only useful for about 60,000 years.
4. The theme of science and religion working together is an odd one for John Carpenter to explore as he is devout atheist.
5. Executive Producer Shep Gordon is also Alice Cooper’s manager. Cooper recorded a song for the film that can briefly be heard through Etchinson’s headphones but it was not actually released until nearly 2 years later.
6. Cooper’s character impales Etchinson with a device usually used in his stage show.

Foley is a masterful director of actors and this is a perfect film for him. A low-key film noir that relies solely on the performances of its small cast to carry its weight. Patric’s performance alone is worthy of viewing. His portrayal of Collins is both depressing and heroic. The final 90 seconds of this film in which Collins steps a few feet away into the desert to “sort things out” are probably the most heartbreaking of moments of the film. Dern is particularly loathsome as Uncle Bud and Rachel Ward plays the confused and lonely Fay to perfection. Some may have issues with the Sweet’s deliberate pacing, but it only adds to the film’s sense of doom and loneliness giving it the necessary atmosphere. Sadly the film only grossed 3 million in its box office run and to this day still has yet to find much of an audience. Nearly 20 years later After Dark, My Sweet remains a nearly perfect film in every aspect and is a must see.