 The dialogue and plot were devised by H. G. Wells as "a new story" meant to display the "social and political forces and possibilities" that he had outlined in his 1933 story "The Shape of Things to Come", a work he considered less a novel than a "discussion" in fictional form that presented itself as the notes of a 22nd-century diplomat.The film was also influenced by previous works, including his 1897 story "A Story of the Days to Come" and his 1931 work on society and economics, "The Work, Wealth and Happiness of Mankind".The cultural historian Christopher Frayling called "Things to Come" "a landmark in cinematic design".