Village of the Damned Movie Review

In some ways, this British production is another take on the Invasion of the Body Snatchers theme – infiltration by aliens who are like us but not like us. It can also be seen an early example of post-World War II generational conflicts. But forget interpretations. This is simply one of the best sf thrillers ever made. When an English village is subjected to a mysterious event, several unusual children are conceived. Later, they demonstrate remarkable, threatening powers. Casting the urbane George Sanders in the lead is unusual but effective. This is one of his best roles, and he brings a restrained emotional power to the story's conclusion. Pay no attention to the dated soundtrack. From the novel The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham. Followed by a sequel, The Children of the Damned, in 1964 and an atrocious 1995 remake.

1960 78m/B GB George Sanders, Barbara Shelley, Martin Stephens, Laurence Naismith, Michael C. Goetz, Michael C. Gwynne; D: Wolf Rilla; W: Wolf Rilla, Stirling Silliphant, George Barclay; C: Geoffrey Faithfull. VHS, Beta, LV MGM, MLB