The War of the Worlds ★★★½ 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. 85m/C VHS, DVD. 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;
Director:
Byron Haskin;
Writer:
Barre Lyndon;
Writer:
George Barnes;
Cameo:
Leith Stevens; V: Cedric Hardwicke.
