War of the Worlds (1953)
Starring:Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremavne, Bob Cornthwaite, Lewis Martin, Sandro Giglio, Housley Stevenson, Paul Frees
Running time:85 minutes
Producer:George Pal
Director:Bryan Haskin
This 1953 film is based on H. G. Wells 1898 novel of the same name.It depicts an invasion of Earth by a superior force from Mars.The Martian invaders have significantly stronger machines and the human defenders are greatly outmatched.
The story begins in a small town that witnesses what is thought to be a meteor crash in the nearby woods.The town responds and puts out the resulting fires.What is not known to them is that the meteor was actually an invading machine from Mars.The military is quickly called and responds to the invasion.
The defending forces never stand a chance.The machines not only have superior weapons, they are also protected with an impenetrable shield.Defeat after defeat follows for the defenders and the situation starts to become hopeless.
Artillery shells, tanks and even nuclear weapons have no effect on the might of the Martian machines.For a film as
dated as this (released in 1953), its special effects are excellent and the story line is well written.While it
deviates from HG Wells original story (in order to make it more modern), it essentially keeps with the 1898 book.
Good performances are delivered by Gene Barry as Dr. Forrester and by Ann Robinson as Sylvia.The action sequences are very good and the massacre of the military by the Martians is well done by 1953 standards.
This movie is recommended for fans of science fiction, or of HG Wells.This film is rated three and one half stars.