The War of the Worlds Movie Review 1953

H.G. Wells's classic novel of the invasion of Earth by Martians, updated to 1950s California, with spectacular special effects of destruction caused by the Martian war machines. Pretty scary and tense; based more on Orson Welles's radio broadcast than on the book. Still very popular; hit the top 20 in sales when released on video. Classic thriller later made into a TV series. Produced by George Pal, who brought the world much sci-fi, including "The Time Machine," "Destination Moon," and "When Worlds Collide," and who appears here as a street person.

Distribution

Paramount Home Video, 5555 Melrose Ave., 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038, Phone: (323)956-5000, URL: http://www.paramount.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 85 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Sci Fi, Alien Beings--Vicious, Books to Film: H.G. Wells, Period Piece: 1950s, Adapted from a Radio Show, Producers: George Pal

Screenplay

Barre Lyndon

Cast

Gene Barry, Ann (Robin) Robinson, Les Tremayne, Lewis Martin, Robert Cornthwaite, Sandro Giglio, George Pal, Jack Kruschen, Carolyn Jones, Alvy Moore, William Phipps, Paul Frees

Cinematography

George Barnes

Director

Byron Haskin

Music

Leith Stevens

Other

Cedric Hardwicke

Producer

Paramount Pictures