Review of Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956) by Todd S — 10 Apr 2006

[font=Times New Roman][size=4][color=#000000]This is one of those films that, to me, is more than the sum of its parts. I remember first seeing this as a child when it was on [i]Creature Features[/i] late night TV. I was thrilled. I call this one a genre classic. This is a classic 1950s ?commie-invasion? metaphor film. The special effects by Ray Harryhausen are quite good. The design of the saucers and of the suits the aliens wear is pretty good. The actors do well with their characters and often at reacting to things that would be ?super-imposed? later.[/color][/size][/font].

[font=Times New Roman][color=#000000][size=4] The plot is nicely done. Although the science is a bit shaky, I like the fact that they at least tried to put some science into it. The fact the invaders operate on a slightly different ?time cycle? than humans and have perfected sound frequencies as devastating weapons adds depth to the story and makes it stand apart from many of the other ?cookie cutter? alien invasion movies. The music soundtrack is pretty unremarkable.[/size][/color][/font].

[font='Times New Roman'][color=#000000][size=4] Although there is nothing about the movie that is cutting edge or outstanding for its era when broken down, I still feel that when all the parts are put together it makes for an outstanding film. It holds your interest and builds up tension and yet it never gets over violent or gory. My daughter and son both watched the film with me and enjoyed it. The one semi-disturbing scene is when the aliens, angry that the earthlings have not surrendered sheep like to them, drop the heroine?s father and another captive from one of their saucers. It?s not a bloody scene by any means but it really shows how ruthless and vindictive these aliens could be. Science Fiction fans should watch this one if not out right own it.[/size][/color][/font].