War of the Worlds Year: 1953 Category: B-Movies DVD Streaming

Description

This is a solid, enjoyable version of the H. G. Wells npvel about a martian invasion of the earth. The film was produced by George Pal,. a pioneering animator of films, later eclipsed first by Ray Harryhausen and then by computer generated special effects. The effects here are somewhat dated, but still effective enough, especially the diminutive martian invaders who are seen out of their warships for only a few brief moments of the film. The characters are very likeable especially the the young couple who meet after the first martian craft lands near a small town and is mistakenly believed to be a meteor. Gene Barry and Ann Robinson are terrific together as the couple, he a scientist and she a resident of the town where the martian invasion begins. The performances are all low key and director Byron Haskin expertly captures the feel of small town America in 1953. There is a a narration delivered very well by Sir Cedric Hardwicke which lends a tone of scientific gravity to the film. The script is weighed down by its insistence on making the film almost a religious lecture, but, overall, this is a memorable film. far better than the Tom Cruise remake Fortunately, the film did not create a panic as did Orson Welles radio version in 1938.

Trailer