Battle of the Worlds Reviews

This far-fetched space yarn is saved somewhat by Rains's performance (he was 72 at the time and could find work only in Italy). A meteorite appears to be on a collision course with Earth, but Rains, a top scientist, tells his associates not to worry; the crash will not take place. His prediction is correct, and the meteorite launches spaceships firing on Earth instead. Rains learns that the orb has been sent from a dead planet where the computers still do all the thinking. Fascinated, he contacts the main computer to learn its deep wisdom, but he is killed by Earth's militarists before learning the secrets of space. Impressive sets and sharp direction by Margheriti offset a docile cast, contrived dialog, and poor English dubbing.