Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by AudioHead on February 27, 2000 at 13:00:20:

If "The War of the Worlds"-1953, is the definitive sci-fi "alien invasion" film
of the 1950s, then "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers"-1956, is the definitive
"flying saucer" one.
Ray Harryhausen's magic provided us with the prototypical "flying saucer";
his marvelous special effects are indeed the axis upon which all else in
the film revolves.
This is not to denigrate other aspects of the film, however, and although
the plot is standard formula, it proceeds in a well-paced manner. Both
leading and supporting cast give credible, if somewhat restrained, performances.
The script and dialogue are thoughtful, particularly the clever, pseudo-
scientific dialogue (which reminded me at times of the witty pseudo-scientific dialogue in "The Thing From Another World"-1951).
For example, I was impressed with the aliens well-reasoned explanation in
response to Dr. Marvin's query as to why didn't they just take over the
earth immediately by sheer force. Also impressive was Marvin's ingenious
idea as how to defeat the aliens (sparked by a previous conversation between the aliens and Marvin within one of their spaceships).
There is plenty of action in this film - the viewer gets a taste of the
spinning, whirring saucers early on, and intermittently throughout the
film up to the climatic battle when various Washington D.C. landmarks
are destroyed - these scenes are a sci-fi lovers delight!
I also enjoyed the way the film imparted a credible sense that this was a
global conflict, not just a localized one.
This film was parodied, along with other 50s sci-fi films, in Tim Burton's
1996 film, "Mars Attacks!". The similarity of the saucer design is evident, but Burton opted for the bulbous-headed little aliens from "Invasion of the Saucer Men"-1957; rather than the smaller-(and more human
looking) headed aliens of "Earth vs.the Flying Saucers". It is interesting to note that in both
films, "Mars Attacks!" and "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers", that each uses
sonics as a way of defeating the aliens; Burton obviously parodied the 50s
film's
high-powered ultrasonics with the singing/yodelling of Slim Whitman.
Overall, "Earth vs the Flying Saucers" is a well-crafted film, ending on
a positive, upbeat note with the newlywed Marvins rollicking in the ocean
waters. However, it is ironic that Fred Sears would go on to direct "The
Giant Claw"-1957, an extremely inferior sci-fi effort the following year,
and which featured some of the worst special effects ever made!
I own a copy of "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers" and have viewed it on numerous
occasions and unabashedly prefer the Harryhausen effects over many of
the later computer-generated effects.
If you were a 50's kid like me, and viewed this film like I did back then,
you'll certainly understand my preference, as lasting impressions of awe
and wonder were formed.
"Earth vs. the Flying Saucers" is a time-tested little jewel, definitely
recommended for the 50s sci-fi film connoisseur. - AH