The War of the Worlds (1953) (NR, 1953)

When aliens touch down in sunny California, it's bad news for the planet -- especially when they start destroying cities and shooting at everything that moves. WAR OF THE WORLDS explores what might happen if some of our intergalactic neighbors proved less than friendly. The action starts when a strange meteor lands outside a small town. Noted scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester (Gene Barry) comes in to investigate and quickly teams up with Sylvia Van Buren (Ann Robinson). When almost everyone returns to town for a square dance, the "meteor" opens up, revealing itself as an alien spaceship. The visitors quickly demonstrate they're not looking to make friends with the neighbors by killing the three men who try to greet them. What follows is the "war" of the title, as the human race tries to defend itself, and the alien visitors fly around zapping everything in sight.

When Orson Welles did a radio broadcast of War of the Worlds, people thought aliens really were invading. While director Byron Haskin's film version is nowhere near as convincing, it's still a great example of the science fiction genre.

This original War of the Worlds is a true classic, but unfortunately, it is dated to the period that produced it. In particular, the special effects, cutting-edge in 1953, now seem hokey. However, aside from the dated production values, the movie really is top-notch. For viewers who have an appreciation of older films, or who are interested in film history, this sci-fi classic is a must-see.

Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: Byron Haskin
Cast: Ann Robinson, Gene Barry, Les Tremayne
Genre: Classic
Run time: 85 minutes
Theatrical release: August 26, 1953
DVD release: May 13, 2003
MPAA Rating: NR