Earth vs The Flying Saucers (1956)

 

Alien invasionfilms and the 1950s: it's pretty common. Yes, nearly everyone now knows they were often a metaphor for the fear that the Russians might invade the US, but as we now all know: that never happened.

Well, sort of, I guess?

Nevertheless, there are quite a number of excellent alien invasionflicks out there and some are rightfully hailed as classics. This one? Not so much, although it can be enjoyed if you want to. Just don't expect a masterpiece. 

Professor Marvin is head of a new space program to launch satellites into orbit, but the satellites get shot down almost as fast as they are launched. It turns out that there are in fact flying saucers and they pop up all across the globe. During a meeting with the aliens, it transpires they want to establish themselves on our planet because their world has gone. They know they have superior intellect and firepower, so humans sort of would be relegated to subservience?

It is never made truly clear that the aliens solely have hostile intentions, which makes the human behaviour of 'shoot first' a bit iffy. I mean, sure, the aliens do come across as a bit arrogant, but the humans did kill one of them first. 

In any case, people devise a weapon that can knock out the saucers, destruction happens in Washington, humanity wins, hurray. 

There truly isn't anything more to this one. It doesn't even feature that many aliens or saucers. It's mostly people talking and more people talking. The motivations of the aliens are never really clear. In the end, most people assume they are malevolent, but if you pay close attention, it doesn't always feel that way. They use the brainpower of one character, but they only kill him after the humans try to destroy a saucer. If anything, the humans' inability to talk and listen seems like the biggest problem here. 

The highlight of course are the special effects by legend Ray Harryhausen. The saucers look and sound wonderful, and the stop motion destruction of landmarks in Washington is great. Other than that, this film doesn't have all that much to offer. The alien suits look incredibly cumbersome and you can only pity the poor actors who had to waddle around in them. 

Enjoyable, but not a classic. In other words: for hardcore fans of sci-fi of this era only.