Sci-Fi Classic Review: INVADERS FROM MARS (1953)

The first golden age sci-fi/horror made explicitly for kids remains a cult classic to this day.

If you're looking for a "review" in the traditional sense, then let me just say I like this movie. This video, however, is a "review" in the literal sense (using the Miriam-Webster definition "a retrospective view or survey"), in that I'm going over the history of the film and its place in sci-fi cinema history.

In other words, please stop commenting on how my videos aren't what you consider "reviews."

#InvadersFromMars #WilliamCameronMenzies #Invasion

00:00 Intro
01:16 Synopsis
02:01 Production History
03:34 Shameless Self-Promotion
04:16 Casting
06:04 Pre-production woes
07:00 Effects
07:59 Release & Legacy
08:57 Opinion & Analysis
11:07 Outro

PARADOX

THE STREAMING HEAP

FROM HERE TO PATERNITY

MY DISCORD SERVER

[tommydarbe]

In the 50s Stock footage was use as a great money saver, but I think it added a lot of camp. At least it wasn't flying saucers held up by strings😊

[indygeo]

One of my personal favorite Science fiction movies from the 1950s. I love the cinematography, the score, and the atmosphere of this movie. The overall look and feel of this film is just so nostalgic for me.

[kylecurry]

A solid addition to the "Atomic Age" era of sci fi / horror. I thought the surreal approach & visuals to the story telling was clever.

[JoseyWaless]

Great movie. My father, a sci-fi film buff, saw it as a kid so I naturally saw it when I was a kid too thanks to him. Just purchased and watched the remastered Blu-Ray from Ignite Studios. Although there is a lot of grain visible, the presentation is the best I've ever seen, no scratches or other film damage. It also contains all of the extra European release footage as well as an interview with Jimmy Hunt.

[Halflife-ym]

This movie held a special place in my list of favorites. It wasn't a carbon copy of typical sci-fi films. There is an obscure movie from the 50s called Creation of the Humanoids that would make for a good review by you. I am also trying to recall the name of a movie about an alien woman that kills with a touch. I think it was called "She" or something like that. I think the whole thing was shot in two sets. lol.

[walterfechter]

As a kid, this movie scared me so much that I didn't want to go anywhere there was sand. The music; with the haunting choral arrangements; was haunting and memorable. This movie will always remain with me. It's my absolute favorite "kid-oriented" Sci-Fi film. "Tobor: The Great" and "The Space Children" are two more of my favorites. Thanks, Unapologetic Geek.

[rsacchi]

The sets seem to play into it being a dream. I can see why a film maker would get upset with the, it was all a dream ending. It's a fun movie. A good point about the child not being annoying. One way to make a film unbearable for adults is having an annoying child.

[morgangallowglass]

As a kid, I found this movie amazingly eerie. It stuck in my mind like a splinter thanks to the points you make so brilliantly. It was from the perspective of a child, BUT did not, and does not strike me as a childish movie. Creepy and dark with decidedly less that kid-friendly themes, it bothered me then and now, as an adult, it fascinates me in its crafting as much as its seemingly simple tale. As always, a great vid on your part!

[veseyvonveitinghof]

...i saw it when it first came out and it remains one of my favorite sci fi flicks right along with the original "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"....

[rogervandusen]

I saw this charming film back in the 70s when it was in syndication. I always chuckle when Morris Ankrum commands, "All tanks surround the field!"

[AllanGonnella]

When I saw "Invaders From Mars' in the late 50's at the local kiddie matinee at the Garmar Theater in Montebello, Ca. it scared the daylight out of me. When I got home I demanded to see the back of my mother's neck. She thought I was crazy but finally relented. What a relief! No mind-controlling crystal sticking out but you just never know about your parents. To this day I thought it was one of the best alien invasion flicks made.

[jeffreymoore]

I would like to see a review of the movie “Fiend Without a Face”. Every time I see “The Iron Giant “ it reminds me of this movie. The scene where Hogarth is watching tv and they have the giant brain on top of the scientist head.

[indyspotes]

The first time I watched this film was also as an adult.
As such, I was able to notice aspects such as forced perspective, differences in scale, abrupt changes in color palette, etc.
which gave it a dream-like quality. Given that the plot also begins from the child's bedroom, let's just say I would have been
disappointed if the movie WASN'T a dream (words that have never come out of my mouth for another single film...).
This movie is kind of an sf interpretation of The Wizard of Oz.
And, oddly enough, it always put me in mind of Black Narcissus with its quirky shot selection and color choices.
It definitely could have used some Sabu. But what film couldn't...?

[tomsenior]

Great review, as always. Can't say I liked the film as much as I did your retrospective. I used to put this down to the central character being a child. When one was 9 years old, a hero was a bloke with a large jaw and fists of iron, not some whiny brat. None of us wanted to see a child save the world from invading, mind-manipulating, green people, intent on World domination. That we would be silly. We wanted to see a bloke save the world from invading, mind-manipulating, green people, intent on World domination.
At least we got to see Big John Cannon's wife, before he married Victoria.

[MrPeteykins]

I thought you kind of neglected the strange set decoration and design here. It's almost like an Expressionist film.

[gmanley]

I remember watching this movie, Invaders from Mars on a weekend. It was honestly enjoyable to watch.

[Krusader]

You mentioned that the movie had originally been planned to be filmed in 3-D. A lot of the indoor locations had a square/rectangle shape with occasional objects along the walls in the background to add to the illusion of depth.(especially in the police station and laboratory). The stock footage of the military tanks and vehicles being loaded up on the train was filmed at the Ft Hood, TX railhead.

[Danielle-ix]

Looking forward to watching and crituing the movie

[geraldmartin]

Saw this in an Austin, Texas movie theater with my mother when I was a kid. More accurately, saw most of it from the lobby peeking through the auditorium doors, I was that terrified.

The movie is a prime candidate for 3D conversion. I even have an old television movies guide that lists it (incorrectly) as 3D.

[jgw]

How about reviewing World Without End.