The War of the Worlds Movie Review

H.G. Wells’ 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’ 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.

1953 85m/C Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne, Lewis Martin, Robert Cornthwaite, Sandro Giglio, Cameo: George Pal; D: Byron Haskin. Academy Awards ‘53: Best Special Effects; Nominations: Academy Awards ‘53: Best Film Editing, Best Sound. VHS, Beta, LV PAR