This volume is comprised of a collection of essays about the origin and development of the science fiction film, its relation to other kinds of film and to science fiction writing, and its aesthetic value. The essays are arranged in four groups: "Beginnings: 1895-1940s,""Popular Years: The 1950s,""Taking Stock: Some Issues and Answers," and "Moving On: The 1960s and After." The editor maintains that the science fiction film has evolved somewhat erratically, sharing a common origin with other kinds of fantasy film and making use of similar content, the same technical devices, such as special effects and artificial settings, and the same dramatic tones, such as horror and surprise. Science fiction films hinge on a change or changes in the world as known. The changes may be caused by man or may be outside his control, but they are intended to have a rational explanation. The changes often depend on displacements in space or time and on changes in man's environment and in man himself. A chronology juxtaposing developments in science with science fiction writing and films, a filmography, a bibliography, and an index are included. (Author/DI)