Time After Time
''Time After Time'' is the title of numerous works in film, television, literature, and music. It most commonly refers to: ==Film and television== ==Literature== ==Music==- "Time After Time" (Cyndi Lauper song) (1983), a ballad by Cyndi Lauper from her album ''She's So Unusual'', which topped the US Billboard Hot 100.)
- Other songs and albums titled ''Time After Time'', including covers and original compositions.
Film and television
Time After Time (1979 film)
Time After Time is a 1979 American science fiction film written and directed by Nicholas Meyer in his directorial debut, starring Malcolm McDowell, David Warner, and Mary Steenburgen.[5] The story blends time travel, thriller elements, and romance, following H.G. Wells as he chases Jack the Ripper from Victorian London to modern-day San Francisco using a time machine.[6] Produced by Herb Jaffe for Warner Bros. with a budget of $3.5 million, the film was released on September 28, 1979, after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7.[5] Filming took place primarily on location in San Francisco, California, with interiors shot at The Burbank Studios in Burbank, California, capturing the contrast between 1893 London sets and 1970s urban landscapes.[7] The plot centers on 1893 London, where author and inventor Herbert George Wells unveils his time machine to a group of friends, including surgeon Dr. John Leslie Stephenson, who is secretly Jack the Ripper.[5] After committing another murder, Stephenson evades police by stealing the time machine and traveling to 1979 San Francisco, where he resumes his killings.[6] Wells, possessing the machine's operating key, pursues him and arrives disoriented in the future, encountering bank teller Amy Robbins, who aids his adjustment to contemporary life while he hunts the Ripper.[5] As Wells and Amy develop a romance, the Ripper kidnaps her and returns to 1893, prompting Wells to rescue her; ultimately, they choose to live together in 1979, abandoning the time machine.[6] Key cast members include Malcolm McDowell as H.G. Wells, portraying the idealistic inventor grappling with modern disillusionment; David Warner as John Leslie Stephenson/Jack the Ripper, delivering a chilling performance as the cunning killer; and Mary Steenburgen as Amy Robbins, the progressive activist who becomes Wells' ally and love interest.[5] Supporting roles feature Charles Cioffi as the 1979 Police Lieutenant investigating the murders, Kent Williams as the Assistant District Attorney, and Patti D'Arbanville as Shirley, a victim in the contemporary timeline.[8] Additional notable actors include Justus Barns as a geologist, Andrew Duggan as Arthur, and James Garlits as Irving, contributing to the film's ensemble of historical and modern figures.[5] The screenplay by Meyer adapts an unpublished novel by Karl Alexander and Steve Hayes, emphasizing themes of progress versus persistent human violence through Wells' utopian ideals clashing with 20th-century realities.[5] Cinematography by Paul Lohmann and music by Miklós Rózsa enhance the film's atmospheric shifts between eras, with Rózsa's score earning particular acclaim for its dramatic tension.[6] Critically, Time After Time received positive reviews for its inventive blend of science fiction, suspense, and light romance, with critics praising the charismatic leads and Meyer's assured direction.[6] It holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 32 reviews, with the consensus noting the principal actors' evident enjoyment in their roles, making it an amusing fantasy lark.[6] Commercially, the film grossed $13 million at the domestic box office, marking a success relative to its modest budget and ranking it among the year's mid-tier performers.[9] At the 7th Saturn Awards in 1980, the film won for Best Writing (Nicholas Meyer), Best Actress (Mary Steenburgen), and Best Music (Miklós Rózsa), with nominations for Best Director (Meyer), Best Actor (Malcolm McDowell), Best Supporting Actor (David Warner), and Best Special Effects.[10] It also received a Hugo Award nomination for Best Dramatic Presentation in 1980 and won the Grand Prize at the 8th Avoriaz International Fantastic Film Festival.[11] In its legacy, Time After Time has achieved cult status as a beloved time-travel adventure, voted the top time-travel film in a 2006 Yahoo! poll.[12] Its innovative narrative influenced subsequent adaptations of similar concepts, maintaining popularity through home video releases, including VHS in the 1980s, DVD via Warner Home Video in 2002, and Blu-ray by Warner Archive in 2019. The film's enduring appeal lies in its witty exploration of historical figures in a futuristic context, blending historical fiction with speculative elements.[6]Time After Time (2017 television series)
Time After Time is an American science fiction television series that aired on ABC, serving as a spiritual sequel to the 1979 film of the same name by extending the premise of H.G. Wells pursuing Jack the Ripper through time.[13] The show follows a young H.G. Wells, who in 1893 London unveils his time machine only for his close friend Dr. John Stevenson—secretly the infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper—to steal it and flee to 2017 New York City to evade capture.[14] Wells pursues him using a second device, allying with modern-day museum curator Jane Walker and facing ethical challenges about altering history while battling the killer's ongoing threats across eras, including moral dilemmas over the consequences of time travel.[13] Developed by Kevin Williamson and produced by Outerbanks Entertainment, the series features Freddie Stroma as the idealistic inventor H.G. Wells, Josh Bowman as the charismatic yet ruthless John Stevenson, and Genesis Rodriguez as the resourceful Jane Walker, with supporting roles including Will Chase as Wells's associate Griffin and Audrey Dalton as his mother. It premiered on March 5, 2017, with a two-hour event consisting of the first two episodes, followed by three more weekly installments until March 26, 2017. ABC canceled the series after one season due to declining viewership, which started at 3.1 million for the premiere and dropped to 1.4 million by the fifth episode, averaging 2.2 million overall.[15]Episode Guide
The series consists of 12 produced episodes, but only the first five aired on ABC in the United States; the remaining seven were unaired domestically but later streamed on platforms like CW Seed and became available internationally.[16]- Pilot (March 5, 2017): In 1893 London, H.G. Wells confronts his friend Dr. John Stevenson's identity as Jack the Ripper, who steals the time machine and escapes to 2017 New York; Wells follows suit, arriving disoriented in the modern world.[14]
- I Will Catch You (March 5, 2017): Wells navigates contemporary New York, meets Jane Walker at a museum exhibit on his own works, and begins tracking Stevenson while grappling with cultural shock.[17]
- Out of Time (March 12, 2017): As Stevenson resumes his murders and demands the time machine key, Wells and Jane work to repair the device amid rising threats from the killer's allies.
- Secrets Stolen (March 19, 2017): Stevenson encounters doctor Brooke Monroe; meanwhile, Wells and Jane time-travel to the 1980s, uncovering a pivotal revelation about the Ripper's future plans.
- Picture Fades (March 26, 2017): Wells pursues Stevenson to 1918 Paris during World War I, racing to stop him from drastically altering the timeline through a major historical event.[18]
Reception
Time After Time garnered mixed critical reception, earning a 67% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 30 reviews, with the consensus noting its "charming cast stranded in a stream of tedious storylines."[20] Critics praised the strong visual effects, period authenticity, and performances—particularly Stroma's earnest portrayal of Wells and Bowman's suave villainy—but frequently highlighted issues with pacing, overly complex plotting, and underdeveloped supporting characters.[13] Viewership decline underscored the show's struggles, contributing to its swift cancellation despite potential for serialized time-travel adventures.[15]Time After Time (2015 television episode)
"Time After Time" is the sixty-sixth episode overall and the fourteenth episode of the third season of the animated television series Transformers: Rescue Bots. The episode centers on young Cody Burns experiencing a time loop, reliving the same morning repeatedly due to anomalies caused by a newly renovated clock tower equipped with experimental magno-fusion technology. As Cody teams up with the Rescue Bots—Heatwave, Chase, Blades, and Boulder—to avert recurring accidents on Griffin Rock, they uncover that a mischievous squirrel is damaging the clock mechanism, exacerbating the issue. The loops are further tied to Cody's antique pocket watch, which has a connection to the series' recurring villain Doctor Morocco, ultimately resolved when the team intervenes to stop the squirrel and stabilize the time disruptions.[21][22] The episode was written by Claire Yorita Lee and directed by Kevin Altieri, produced by Hasbro Studios in collaboration with DHX Media and Top Draw Animation. It originally premiered in the United States on March 21, 2015, on the Discovery Family channel, fitting into the series' child-oriented format that emphasizes rescue missions over combat. Key voice performances include Elan Garfias as Cody Burns, D.C. Douglas as Chase, Steve Blum as Heatwave, and Parvesh Cheena as Blades, with the episode running approximately 22 minutes.[21][22][23] Thematically, "Time After Time" highlights teamwork and problem-solving as the Rescue Bots collaborate with Cody to break the loop through observation and non-violent intervention, portraying time manipulation in a whimsical, educational manner suitable for young audiences. It avoids intense action, instead using the time anomaly to teach persistence and attention to detail, while subtly integrating elements of the broader Transformers lore through the Morocco reference without delving into darker territory.[21] Reception among family viewers has been generally positive, praised for its engaging, light-hearted take on the time loop trope reminiscent of Groundhog Day but adapted for children. On IMDb, the episode holds a rating of 7.1 out of 10 based on user votes, reflecting its appeal within the franchise's lore-connecting episodes.[22]Literature
Time After Time (Alexander novel)
Time After Time is a 1979 science fiction novel written by American author Karl Alexander. Published by Delacorte Press in April 1979, the book was released alongside the film adaptation of the same name, which was based on Alexander's then-incomplete manuscript.[24] The novel draws inspiration from H.G. Wells' 1895 novella The Time Machine, imagining Wells himself as the inventor of a functional time-travel device.[25] In the story, set initially in 1893 London, H.G. Wells unveils his time machine to a group of friends, one of whom is secretly Jack the Ripper. When police close in on the killer following a string of murders, the Ripper steals the machine and escapes to 1979 San Francisco. Wracked by guilt for enabling the escape, Wells follows in pursuit, navigating the disorienting contrasts of modern life while delving into his own idealistic visions of progress. The narrative expands on the Ripper's psyche as a sociopathic figure driven by ego and a compulsion for violence, intensified by his adaptation to contemporary society's casual brutality, and contrasts this with Wells' socialist beliefs in a utopian future that he finds disappointingly unrealized. A central romance develops between Wells and Amy Robinson, a modern bank officer targeted by the Ripper, adding emotional depth to the chase.[24][26] The novel explores themes of clashing eras, where 19th-century progressive ideals—particularly Wells' socialism and faith in technological utopia—collide with the moral ambiguities and decadence of 20th-century America, including the sexual revolution and urban violence. This temporal dissonance prompts Wells to question his optimistic worldview, while the romance subplot humanizes his journey, highlighting personal connections amid historical upheaval. The Ripper's motivations are portrayed with psychological nuance, revealing a killer whose outdated savagery finds perverse harmony in modern chaos, such as his resentment toward figures like Charles Manson for overshadowing his notoriety.[24][26] Upon release, the book received mixed but generally positive reviews for its witty irony and inventive use of historical figures, though some critics noted pretentious elements and a convoluted ending. It was praised for blending suspense with cultural observations, maintaining historical fidelity in depicting Victorian London and Wells' era. Commercial success was moderate, bolstered by the film's promotion, with the novel achieving steady sales and enduring appeal among time-travel enthusiasts.[24][27]Time After Time (Appel novel)
Time After Time is a 1985 science fiction novel by American author Allen Appel. It serves as the first installment in the Alex Balfour series, featuring a history professor who involuntarily time travels to pivotal historical moments. Published by Carroll & Graf Publishers, the book blends elements of historical fiction and speculative adventure, exploring the implications of altering the past.[28] The plot centers on Alex Balfour, a professor at The New School in 1980s New York City, who begins experiencing vivid nightmares that transport him to Tsarist Russia during the lead-up to the 1917 Revolution. Awakening with physical evidence from these dreams—such as mud on his shoes or a historical artifact—he encounters a woman who explains his genetic predisposition for time travel. Balfour's journeys take him to key events, including the assassination of Grigori Rasputin and interactions with the Romanov family, particularly focusing on the fate of Grand Duchess Anastasia. As he navigates these perils, Balfour grapples with the potential to influence historical outcomes, facing threats that could unravel his present-day life and broader reality. The narrative alternates between the modern era and 1917, building suspense through Balfour's repeated displacements and moral dilemmas.[29] The novel delves into themes of time travel mechanics, the tension between fate and free will, and the ethical challenges of intervening in history. Appel's story examines how personal actions in the past ripple into the future, questioning whether history is fixed or malleable. It fuses hard science fiction with richly detailed historical reconstruction, emphasizing the disorientation of temporal displacement and the protagonist's quest for agency amid uncontrollable shifts.[2] Upon release, Time After Time received positive attention for its innovative premise and immersive historical backdrop, earning selection as one of the American Library Association's Best Books for Young Adults in 1986.[30] Critics and readers appreciated the genre fusion, with Publishers Weekly noting it as an entertaining read for those suspending disbelief.[31] However, some reviews highlighted issues with pacing and dialogue, describing the prose as occasionally clunky despite the compelling narrative. On Goodreads, it holds an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 from over 130 ratings, praised by enthusiasts for its adventurous spirit and educational value on Russian history.[2] The book's success launched the series, with sequels including Twice Upon a Time (1988).[32]Time After Time (Grunwald novel)
Time After Time is a 2019 historical fantasy novel by American author Lisa Grunwald. Set primarily in New York City's Grand Central Terminal, the story blends magical realism with romance, following the love affair between a railroad worker and an aspiring artist who becomes ensnared in the station's hidden temporal anomalies. Spanning from the 1920s through World War II and into the postwar era, the narrative explores themes of enduring love and personal agency against the backdrop of historical upheaval.[33] Published by Random House on June 11, 2019, the novel draws inspiration from a longstanding urban legend about a woman who mysteriously vanished within Grand Central Terminal. Grunwald's research for the book involved extensive study of the terminal's architecture, operations, and cultural history, including details from a 1946 reference book on the station that sparked her interest in its hidden spaces and wartime role. She delved into archival materials on New York City during the 1920s to 1940s, incorporating real elements like the terminal's levermen system and its function as a wartime hub for troop movements and espionage concerns.[34][35] The plot centers on Nora Lansing, a fiercely independent 23-year-old artist from 1927 who suffers a near-fatal accident near the terminal and awakens trapped in its concealed corridors and tracks, subject to inexplicable rules that limit her movements to certain times and spaces. In 1937, she encounters Joe Reynolds, a 33-year-old leverman responsible for switching train tracks, at the station's iconic gold clock; their instant connection blossoms into a profound romance despite the barriers of time and circumstance. As World War II unfolds, Joe's enlistment and Nora's isolation test their bond, with the terminal's magical properties allowing fleeting reunions amid the chaos of blackouts, soldier farewells, and societal shifts. The story culminates in sacrifices and resolutions that highlight the interplay between fate and human will.[3][36][37] Key themes include magical realism, where the terminal functions as a liminal space blurring past and present, women's independence as exemplified by Nora's artistic ambitions and defiance of era-bound expectations, and the resilience of love amid historical events such as the Great Depression and World War II. Grunwald weaves in factual details, like the station's role in wartime logistics, to ground the fantastical elements in authentic historical texture.[38][39] The novel received positive critical reception for its atmospheric depiction of Grand Central and skillful fusion of fact and fantasy. Kirkus Reviews praised it as an "ingenious and winsome novel" with a "quirky ghost story" vibe, appreciating the vivid historical integration. Bookreporter.com hailed it as "the primo historical novel/love story of the year," noting its immersive prose and emotional depth. On Goodreads, it holds an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 from over 9,000 readers, with many commending the evocative setting and heartfelt romance. Reviewers highlighted Grunwald's ability to blend romance with the terminal's architectural mystique, though some noted the pacing as occasionally deliberate.[36][40][3]Time After Time (Daughtry novel)
Time After Time is a young adult novel written by Mikki Daughtry, published in 2025, that weaves together two sapphic love stories set a century apart, highlighting parallels between past and present relationships through the discovery of a historical diary.[41] The book, selected as a Good Morning America YA Book Club pick, draws on Daughtry's experience as a screenwriter and co-author of bestsellers like Five Feet Apart, delivering an emotional narrative focused on queer romance and personal discovery.[42] It explores how echoes of the past influence contemporary lives, emphasizing themes of destiny and identity in a dual-timeline structure with multiple points of view.[43] The novel was published on May 27, 2025, by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, in hardcover format with 368 pages.[44] Daughtry, who resides in Los Angeles and has credits in films such as The Curse of La Llorona, wrote the book solo, marking her second standalone YA novel after co-authoring previous works.[41] In the story, nineteen-year-old Libby Monroe uses her inheritance to purchase and renovate a dilapidated Victorian house on Mulberry Lane, forgoing college despite her parents' objections, and partners with Tish O’Connell, a local contractor, whose banter and shared labor spark a budding romance.[4] Interwoven with this modern timeline is the 1925 narrative of Elizabeth Post, the house's original owner, whose forbidden love with her maid, Patricia, is chronicled in a hidden diary that Libby uncovers during renovations.[43] As Libby reads the entries detailing Elizabeth's isolation and tragic end, she notices striking similarities between the historical couple and her own relationship with Tish, suggesting possible reincarnation or fated connections that bridge the eras.[41] The multiple points-of-view structure alternates between the timelines, building suspense around Patricia's unresolved fate and Libby's emotional journey toward self-acceptance.[43] Key themes include LGBTQ+ representation, contrasting closeted queer experiences in the 1920s with open identities in the present day, and the idea of destiny in romance through time-spanning echoes that promote emotional growth and healing.[43] The novel also addresses found family dynamics, as both couples navigate societal pressures and personal traumas across generations, underscoring resilience in love.[4] Daughtry's prose emphasizes heartfelt connections and vivacious dialogue, blending historical reflection with contemporary YA tropes.[45] Upon release, Time After Time received positive early reception, earning a 3.9 out of 5 rating on Goodreads based on 488 reviews, with readers praising its cozy, romantic vibe and smooth writing suitable for teens.[4] Trade reviews highlighted its emotional depth and tension, with Publishers Weekly noting the "delightful found family narratives" and engaging banter, though critiquing some loose subplots, and recommending it for ages 12 and up.[43] The book's initial print run of 75,000 copies and GMA Book Club selection contributed to strong sales, bolstered by Daughtry's established fanbase from adapted works.[46]Music
Songs
"Time After Time" is a romantic jazz standard with lyrics by Sammy Cahn and music by Jule Styne, composed in 1946.[47] The song was first recorded by Frank Sinatra with Axel Stordahl's orchestra on October 26, 1946, for Columbia Records, and later featured in the 1947 film It Happened in Brooklyn, where Sinatra and Kathryn Grayson performed it.[47] As a ballad, it explores themes of enduring love and devotion, with lyrics expressing deep gratitude for a partner's unwavering support through life's challenges.[47] Sinatra's version reached No. 16 on the Billboard charts in 1947, establishing it as an early hit.[47] Another prominent song sharing the title is the 1983 pop ballad by Cyndi Lauper, co-written with Rob Hyman and produced by Rick Chertoff for her debut album She's So Unusual.[48] Released as a single in March 1984, it became Lauper's first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1984 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart, while peaking at No. 3 in the UK.[48] The song's title was inspired by a TV Guide listing for the 1979 science fiction film Time After Time, which Lauper spotted while brainstorming ideas.[49] It earned Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards in 1985. The Lauper version has inspired over 400 covers across genres, including an instrumental jazz rendition by Miles Davis on his 1985 album You're Under Arrest and a rock adaptation by Quietdrive in 2006 for the soundtrack John Tucker Must Die.[50][51] The 1947 standard has also been widely interpreted, with notable recordings by Tony Bennett on his 1958 album Long Ago... and Far Away.[52] Culturally, the Cahn-Styne composition endures as a timeless jazz staple, frequently performed by vocalists and instrumentalists to evoke classic romance.[47] In contrast, Lauper's track solidified its status as an 1980s anthem of longing and resilience, gaining renewed popularity through its inclusion in the Netflix series Stranger Things soundtrack for Season 2 in 2017. As of 2023, Lauper's version is certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA. In 2025, Lauper was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, performing the song with RAYE during the ceremony.[48][53][54]Albums
Time After Time is a posthumous studio album by American singer Eva Cassidy, released on June 20, 2000, by Blix Street Records.[55] The collection comprises 12 previously unreleased covers recorded primarily in studio sessions during the 1990s, with some live performances captured at venues like the Maryland Inn in Annapolis.[56] Following Cassidy's death from cancer in 1996, the album was compiled from demo tapes and archival material she had produced for potential nightclub engagements and personal projects.[57] It highlights her interpretive style across jazz, folk, and pop genres, featuring acoustic guitar accompaniment on several tracks.[58] The track listing emphasizes Cassidy's vocal range and emotional depth in reimagining standards and contemporaries:| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Kathy's Song" | Paul Simon | 2:47 |
| 2 | "Ain't No Sunshine" | Bill Withers | 3:26 |
| 3 | "The Letter" | Wayne Carson | 4:10 |
| 4 | "At Last" | Mack Gordon, Harry Warren | 2:54 |
| 5 | "Time After Time" | Cyndi Lauper, Rob Hyman | 3:54 |
| 6 | "Penny to My Name" | Chris Biondo, Eva Cassidy | 3:38 |
| 7 | "I Wandered by a Brookside" | Traditional | 3:27 |
| 8 | "I Wish I Was a Single Girl Again" | Traditional | 2:26 |
| 9 | "Easy Street Dream" | Eva Cassidy, Chuck Brown | 3:16 |
| 10 | "Anniversary Song" | Al Jolson, Saul Chaplin | 2:50 |
| 11 | "Woodstock" | Joni Mitchell | 4:07 |
| 12 | "Fields of Gold" | Sting | 3:24 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" | 3:49 |
| 2 | "She Bop" | 3:46 |
| 3 | "I Drove All Night" | 4:10 |
| 4 | "What's Going On" (feat. Chuck D) | 4:37 |
| 5 | "Time After Time" | 3:58 |
| 6 | "True Colors" | 3:47 |
| 7 | "All Through the Night" | 4:27 |
| 8 | "The World Is Stone" | 4:21 |
| 9 | "I Don't Want to Be Your Friend" | 4:22 |
| 10 | "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough" | 3:38 |
| 11 | "Maybe He'll Know" (with Peech Boys) | 4:25 |
| 12 | "When You Were Mine" | 4:58 |
| 13 | "Iko Iko" | 2:04 |
| 14 | "Change of Heart" | 4:23 |
| 15 | "Hey Now (Girls Just Want to Have Fun)" (Mutt Lange mix) | 3:51 |