War of the Worlds (1953)

War of the Worlds
Directed by Byron Haskin
Written by Barré Lyndon from the novel by H.G. Wells
1953/USA
Paramount Pictures
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental

[box] Radio Reporter: All radio is dead, which means that these tape recordings I’m making are for the sake of future history – If any.[/box]

This is the epitome of early 50’s science fiction and a ton of fun.

The film begins with a voice over narration describing the plight of the Martians, whose planet is slowly dying.  They have started to cast a longing eye at Earth for resettlement.

A group of campers witnesses an object fall to earth.  Conveniently, one of them is world-reknowned scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester (Gene Barry).  He goes to the site and meets Sylvia Van Buren, niece of the local preacher.  Forrester and Sylvia will be partners in terror for the remainder of the film.

It soon becomes evident that the falling object was not a meteorite.  It has deposited a large blob of red-hot molten material.  Firemen hang around to see that the fire it started is truly out.  They are amazed to see a kind of door open at the top of it.  Weird and scary things happen in quick succession.  Flying machines blast everything in sight.  The armed forces can do nothing to stop the destruction, which we learn is happening at several locations world wide.

Forrester and Sylvia seek refuge in a farmhouse but are searched out by the aliens. Forrester manages to nab one outside its machine and to slay it.  This produces a blood sample and the pair head back to civilization to help in the search for a way to stop the carnage.  An atomic bomb is powerless against the Martians.  It looks like the Earth is doomed and human nature begins to show its ugly face as people fight to be first in line for evacuation of Los Angeles.

This movie has it all: B movie actors at their best; awesome 50’s special effects; and glimpses of scary aliens.  The film is less than 90 minutes and is tautly and suspensefully written. It is a classic of its genre.   Recommended.

War of the Worlds won the Academy Award for Best Effects, Special Effects.  It was nominated in the categories of Best Sound, Recording and Best Film Editing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9T9f3UbGuo

Trailer