The War of the Worlds 1953
7 / 10
The War of the Worlds
The residents of a small town are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills, until they discover it is the first of many transport devices from Mars bringing an army of invaders invincible to any man-made weapon, even the atomic bomb.
The residents of a small town are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills, until they discover it is the first of many transport devices from Mars bringing an army of invaders invincible to any man-made weapon, even the atomic bomb.
Videos & Photos
All 1 Videos & 99 Photos
cast
Full Cast & Crew
... Dr. Clayton Forrester
... Sylvia Van Buren
... Pastor Dr. Matthew Collins
... Maj. Gen. Mann
... Fiddler Hawkins (uncredited)
... Col. Ralph Heffner
User reviews
See All 4 Reviews23 Jun 2021 by John Chard
Smashing sci-fi film that is a landmark for special effects. Martians invade Earth with total destructive powers, seemingly unstoppable, mankind must find a way to beat them before all is Lost. In spite of the uproar and considerable success of Orson Welles' 1938 radio adaptation of the H.G Wells novel, War Of The Worlds was a topic that directors were staying well away from. Such high esteemed men like as Cecil B. DeMille & Alfred Hitchcock were mooted to be interested but it always came down to a worry that the special effects needed for the story were too much of a headache. Enter producer George Pal, noted for puppetoon shorts, he managed to sway the big wigs at Paramount that it could indeed be done, and thus the chain of big colour spaceships blasting, sci-fi creatures lurking and blockbuster bums on seats movies began. Directed by Byron Haskin, this version of the source moves the location from Edwardian England to 20th Century America, and this works a treat because the watching American public were genuinely unnerved at the sight of contemporary America being reduced to rubble by an invading force. The makers further our sense of dread by only letting us glimpse the aliens once in a wonderful scene (respectfully homaged in Stephen Spielberg's 2005 version of the source), other than that scene we are subjected to attack after attack from shiny flying saucers, slick and ground breaking effects working their magic on an impressionable audience. Outside of those known to hardcore sci-fi fans, the cast doesn't contain any stars of note, probably due to all the money being used on the effects? And for sure many of them come across as wooden beyond compare (though the lovely Ann Robinson lights up every scene she is in), while if I'm to be over critical: then the romantic thread in the film is tiresome and the religious overtone is tardily done. But War Of The Worlds 1953 still stands proud as a brave and hugely enjoyable picture thats importance has never been (nor should it be) understated, and even allowing for nostalgic fervour from this particular viewer, I heartily recommend this film to anyone interested in template movies for the sci-fi genre. 7/10
Genres:
Release Date:
Aug 13, 1953 (United States)
Run Time:
1hr 25`
MMPA Rating:
G
Original Language:
English
Production Countries:
United States
Status:
Released
Plot Keywords:
Related Movies To
The War of the Worlds
Smashing sci-fi film that is a landmark for special effects. Martians invade Earth with total destructive powers, seemingly unstoppable, mankind must find a way to beat them before all is Lost. In spite of the uproar and considerable success of Orson Welles' 1938 radio adaptation of the H.G Wells novel, War Of The Worlds was a topic that directors were staying well away from. Such high esteemed men like as Cecil B. DeMille & Alfred Hitchcock were mooted to be interested but it always came down to a worry that the special effects needed for the story were too much of a headache. Enter producer George Pal, noted for puppetoon shorts, he managed to sway the big wigs at Paramount that it could indeed be done, and thus the chain of big colour spaceships blasting, sci-fi creatures lurking and blockbuster bums on seats movies began. Directed by Byron Haskin, this version of the source moves the location from Edwardian England to 20th Century America, and this works a treat because the watching American public were genuinely unnerved at the sight of contemporary America being reduced to rubble by an invading force. The makers further our sense of dread by only letting us glimpse the aliens once in a wonderful scene (respectfully homaged in Stephen Spielberg's 2005 version of the source), other than that scene we are subjected to attack after attack from shiny flying saucers, slick and ground breaking effects working their magic on an impressionable audience. Outside of those known to hardcore sci-fi fans, the cast doesn't contain any stars of note, probably due to all the money being used on the effects? And for sure many of them come across as wooden beyond compare (though the lovely Ann Robinson lights up every scene she is in), while if I'm to be over critical: then the romantic thread in the film is tiresome and the religious overtone is tardily done. But War Of The Worlds 1953 still stands proud as a brave and hugely enjoyable picture thats importance has never been (nor should it be) understated, and even allowing for nostalgic fervour from this particular viewer, I heartily recommend this film to anyone interested in template movies for the sci-fi genre. 7/10
_**Clark Kent & Lois Lane face an invasion of Martians!**_ A flaming meteor lands near a small town in rural California, yet it turns out it’s not really a meteor, but rather the beginning of an extraterrestrial invasion! “The War of the Worlds” (1953) loosely interprets H.G. Wells' classic 1898 novel and moves the events up to the mid-20th century wherein Earthlings have modern weapons at their disposal, including the atomic bomb. Gene Barry and Ann Robinson play the protagonists, who are seriously reminicent of Clark Kent & Lois Lane. The movie wisely focuses on the alien invasion as seen through their eyes, which naturally gives the story human interest. The Martian vessels are superbly depicted and very threatening. Even better, the flick doesn’t skimp on showing the aliens up-close-and-personal and they’re even better than those in the 2005 reimagining (the one with Tom Cruise). While the first two acts are compelling sci-fi cinema of the highest order (in its quaint early 50’s way), the story somewhat loses it’s captivating power in the last act when the story switches to Earth vs. the Martians and Clark, I mean Dr. Forrester, stumbling around post-apocalyptic Los Angeles desperately searching for Lois, I mean Sylvia. The film runs 1 hour, 28 minutes, and was shot in Southern Cal & Arizona. GRADE: A-/B+
Not great in terms of the script, acting or the abrupt ending, the practical effects were impressive and a lot of fun with the Martian ships flying and causing mayhem and destruction. I can imagine this wowed audiences back in '53. **3.0/5**
“The War of the Worlds” now restored in 4K HD with its lovely looking technicolour and amazing surround sound really has elevated this movie to a higher level than any previous release. Made during the height of optimism in 1953 “The War of the Worlds” was and still is quite horrific and unnerving. The joys of the Atomic age are highlighted by the beauty of the alien spacecraft and the atom bomb being the answer to stopping any invading force. What is genuinely good about ”The War of the Worlds” is the way it goes for the horror element rather than any melodrama. The vague romance only acts as connecting dialogue between the hysterical panic and extreme action that takes centre stage throughout. The dark themes that were common place during the 1950’s are clearly on show, fear of invasion from a military force out to decimate and lack of confidence in governments to protect is quite apparent. Equally relevant today with recent pandemics, lock downs and threat of nuclear war in Europe, “The War of the Worlds” reminds us we all live under fear of invasion while governed by indecisive smugness.
Cast & Crew of
The War of the Worlds
Directors & Credit Writers
... Assistant Director
... Director
Cast
... Dr. Clayton Forrester
... Sylvia Van Buren
... Pastor Dr. Matthew Collins
... Maj. Gen. Mann
... Fiddler Hawkins (uncredited)
... Col. Ralph Heffner
... Dr. Bilderbeck
... Dr. Duprey (uncredited)
... Dr. Pryor (as Bob Cornthwaite)
... Commentary (voice) (as Sir Cedric Hardwicke)
... Gen. Mann's Aide (as Housely Stevenson Jr.)
... Wash Perry (as Bill Phipps)
... Salvatore
... Alonzo Hogue (uncredited)
... Second Radio Reporter / Opening Announcer
... Cop at Crash Site
PA
Peter Adams... Pine Summit Fire Watcher (uncredited)
... Man (uncredited)
HA
Hugh Allen... Brigadier General (uncredited)
RB
Ruth Barnell... Mother (uncredited)
Produced By
... Executive Producer
... Associate Producer
... Producer
Videos & Photos of
The War of the Worlds
Videos ( 1)
Photos ( 99 )
Related Movies To
The War of the Worlds
Warfare (2025)
0 /10
A platoon of Navy SEALs embarks on a dangerous mission in Ramadi, Iraq, with the chaos and brotherhood of war retold through their memories of the event.
Run Time: 1hr 35` . MMPA: R . Release: 09 Apr 2025
Director: Ray Mendoza , Emily Thomas , Alex Garland
Producer: Matthew Penry-Davey , Allon Reich , Rose Powell
Stars: Charles Melton , Joseph Quinn , Will Poulter , Kit Connor , Cosmo Jarvis , Finn Bennett
Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVII (2024)
0 /10
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will go head-to-head with Kevin Owens as Saturday Night's Main Event returns to NBC. Plus World Tag Team Champion Finn Bálor will face "The Ring General" Gunther for the World Heavyweight Title. The Women's World Championship will be on the line when Liv Morgan defends her title against IYO SKY.
Run Time: 1hr 22` . MMPA: . Release: 14 Dec 2024
Director:
Producer: Lee Fitting , Paul Michael Lévesque
Stars: Cody Runnels , Kevin Steen , Walter Hahn , Chelsea Cardona , Fergal Devitt , Kimberly Benson
A Working Man (2025)
0 /10
Levon Cade left behind a decorated military career in the black ops to live a simple life working construction. But when his boss's daughter, who is like family to him, is taken by human traffickers, his search to bring her home uncovers a world of corruption far greater than he ever could have imagined.
Run Time: 1hr 56` . MMPA: R . Release: 26 Mar 2025
Director: Kaya Frances Moore , Eddie J. Fernandez , Jack Fontaine
Producer: Chris Long , Sylvester Stallone , Kevin King Templeton
Stars: Jason Statham , David Harbour , Michael Peña , Jason Flemyng , Arianna Rivas , Noemi Gonzalez
House of Ga'a (2024)
0 /10
At the height of the Oyo Empire, the ferocious Bashorun Ga'a became more powerful than the kings he enthroned, only to be undone by his own blood.
Run Time: 2hr . MMPA: R . Release: 26 Jul 2024
Director: Bolanle Austen-Peters
Producer: Bolanle Austen-Peters
Stars: Femi Branch , Mike Afolarin , Funke Akindele , Toyin Abraham , Ibrahim Chatta , Femi Adebayo
Tin Soldier (2025)
0 /10
An ex-special forces operative seeks revenge against a cult leader who has corrupted his former comrades, the Shinjas. This leader, known as The Bokushi, promises veterans a purpose and protection, but is revealed to be a destructive influence. The ex-soldier, Nash Cavanaugh, joins forces with military operative Emmanuel Ashburn to infiltrate the Bokushi's fortress and expose his reign of terror
Run Time: 1hr 27` . MMPA: . Release: 22 May 2025
Director: Brad Furman
Producer: Gillian Hormel , Mark Brooke , Seth Sklar
Stars: Jamie Foxx , Scott Eastwood , Robert De Niro , Rita Ora , John Leguizamo , Saïd Taghmaoui
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (2025)
0 /10
Ethan Hunt and the IMF team continue their search for the terrifying AI known as the Entity — which has infiltrated intelligence networks all over the globe — with the world's governments and a mysterious ghost from Ethan's past on their trail. Joined by new allies and armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good, Hunt is in a race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever.
Run Time: 2hr 50` . MMPA: PG-13 . Release: 17 May 2025
Director: Tommy Gormley , Rebecca Sheridan , Wade Eastwood
Producer: Matt Craufurd , David Ellison , Jake Myers
Stars: Tom Cruise , Hayley Atwell , Ving Rhames , Simon Pegg , Vanessa Kirby , Henry Czerny
Out of Exile (2023)
0 /10
Recently paroled thief Gabriel Russell tries to balance his life and mend a troubled family as an FBI agent hunts him down, along with his crew after a botched armored car robbery.
Run Time: 1hr 47` . MMPA: R . Release: 20 Jan 2023
Director: Kyle Kauwika Harris
Producer: Kelley Gann , Marcus Cox , Jacob Snovel
Stars: Adam Hampton , Karrie Cox , Kyle Jacob Henry , Ryan Merriman , Peter Greene , Hayley McFarland
Thunderbolts* (2025)
0 /10
After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, seven disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.
Run Time: 2hr 7` . MMPA: PG-13 . Release: 30 Apr 2025
Director: Robert Ratner , George Cottle , Joe Russo
Producer: Johnny Gidcomb , Brian Chapek , Molly Doyle
Stars: Sebastian Stan , Florence Pugh , David Harbour , Wyatt Russell , Olga Kurylenko , Hannah John-Kamen
Crypto Legacy (2020)
2.5 /10
Troy Morgan doesn't like his family's farm. The place creeps him out. After spotting some strange lights one evening, Troy and his little sister Carrie go to investigate the creepy barn.
Run Time: 1hr 11` . MMPA: . Release: 01 Oct 2020
Director: Charles Townsend
Producer: Charles Townsend
Stars: Sheri Gill Dixon , Brian Kunz , Brandon Young , Nathaniel Barton , Linzi Gray , Thalia Reynolds
Remnant (2024)
0 /10
Grace is a young woman whose life has been turned upside down by tragedy. When she returns home to the family farm to rebuild her shattered life, her world begins to unravel as a series of strange events haunt her, pushing Grace to the edge of madness. A mysterious figure lurks in the shadows and a ghostly woman appears in the darkness of night. Is Grace imagining these apparitions, or are they a warning of a nightmare still to come?
Run Time: 1hr 52` . MMPA: . Release: 30 Jun 2024
Director: Mike Horan
Producer:
Stars: Nicole Pritchard , Shaun Robert Foley , Tsu Shan Chambers , Remi Webster , Megan Bell , Martin Ashley Jones
In the Lost Lands (2025)
0 /10
A queen sends the powerful and feared sorceress Gray Alys to the ghostly wilderness of the Lost Lands in search of a magical power, where she and her guide, the drifter Boyce, must outwit and outfight both man and demon.
Run Time: 1hr 42` . MMPA: R . Release: 27 Feb 2025
Director: Paul W. S. Anderson
Producer: Martin Moszkowicz , Kirk D'Amico , Nico Bruinsma
Stars: Milla Jovovich , Dave Bautista , Arly Jover , Amara Okereke , Deirdre Mullins , Fraser James
The Siege (2023)
3.4 /10
International assassin Walker is compromised during a mission and sent to a reassignment center for a new identity. During his stay at the facility, a ruthless assault team storms the compound searching for someone their boss has lost. Walker begrudgingly falls in with skilled hitwoman Elda and her mysterious ward Juliet in order to survive the night.
Run Time: 1hr 37` . MMPA: R . Release: 10 Mar 2023
Director: Brad Watson
Producer: Alan Latham
Stars: Daniel Stisen , Lauren Okadigbo , Yennis Cheung , Byron Gibson , Steven Blades , Samantha Schnitzler