Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It. Poster

Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It. 1970

★ 4.241 votes79 min📅 1970-09-04

"Invite a few friends over to watch the end of the world!"

Roger Corman's 1970 cult classic blends sharp social satire with offbeat sci-fi comedy in *Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It.*, a frenetic ride through a bizarre apocalypse.

Director: Roger Corman

Cast

Bud Cort
Bud Cort
Hooper
Talia Shire
Talia Shire
Coralee
Elaine Giftos
Elaine Giftos
Cilla
Cindy Williams
Cindy Williams
Marissa
Ben Vereen
Ben Vereen
Carlos
Bob Corff
Bob Corff
Coel
Alex Wilson
Jason
Bruce Karcher
Bruce Karcher
Edgar Allen
George Armitage
George Armitage
Billy the Kid
Raye Birk
Raye Birk
Mort Catafalque

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It.* (1970) about?

The film depicts a surreal apocalypse where a deadly gas kills anyone over 25, leaving teenagers and young adults to navigate a collapsing world. As society crumbles, the survivors must confront generational conflict, authority, and their own futures.

Who directed *Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It.*?

The film was directed by Roger Corman, the legendary filmmaker known for his prolific output and cult classics that pushed boundaries in genre filmmaking.

Who stars in *Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It.*?

The ensemble cast includes Bud Cort, Talia Shire, Elaine Giftos, Cindy Williams, and Ben Vereen, who bring a mix of humor and drama to the offbeat story.

Is *Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It.* (1970) worth watching?

While not as widely celebrated as some of Corman's other films, this short, sharp satire offers a unique blend of sci-fi and comedy that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. Fans of quirky 1970s cinema or Roger Corman's body of work will likely find it a hidden gem worth exploring.

How long is *Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It.*?

The film has a runtime of 79 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It. (1970) — Roger Corman's satirical end-of-the-world comedy

Roger Corman's 1970 cult classic blends sharp social satire with offbeat sci-fi comedy in *Gas! -Or- It Became Necessary to Destroy the World in Order to Save It.*, a frenetic ride through a bizarre apocalypse. The film follows a group of young survivors navigating a world where a mysterious, lethal gas wipes out anyone over 25, leaving the younger generation to reckon with their elders—and themselves. With its satirical edge, psychedelic visuals, and subversive humor, the movie critiques generational divides and societal expectations while delivering a wild, unpredictable narrative. Corman's direction infuses the chaos with a playful yet thought-provoking tone, making it a standout entry in his filmography.

The cast, led by rising stars like Bud Cort and Talia Shire, brings a mix of earnestness and absurdity to their roles, grounding the film's surreal premise in relatable, human struggles. As the survivors grapple with the collapse of traditional structures, the movie's darkly comedic take on societal upheaval feels eerily prescient. The short runtime keeps the energy high, ensuring every scene crackles with wit and unpredictability.