I have both this version and the newer version of War of the Worlds so I think I know of what I speak. I prefer the older version with Gene Barry because it gives us a view of the innocence of the time period, post WWII when we thought we could defend ourselves against anything. This was no low budget movie in its day and I'm glad that they filmed it in color, something that was fairly new then..The plot lines in both versions are very similar, but the original version seems cleaner and more to the point. It doesn't waste time with counter plots. It cuts to the chase.In my opinion, this is the granddaddy of sci fi films. It's the one that even non sci fi fans can watch and appreciate the message. I have seen this on the big screen (in a drive in) when I was a child and again in the theater, I viewed the Tom Cruise version. Both a unforgettable.If you have little kids, the original version is much less frightening. I would think that children 10 or older can probably understand the message and not have nightmares.The plot is that of a small town in the southwest that is the first place in the U.S. to become invaded by martians. It becomes apparent very early on that they are not friendly and intend to take over the planet and destroy all humans in the process. The military is brought in with all the bells and whistles but they cannot control the invaders.I love this movie.

This 1950's version of the War of the Worlds is absolutely great! It is better than the latest remake, even though they didn't have the CGI effects in the 1950's the special effects in this movie are better and more believable than the remake. It features the Air Force's original flying wing the YB40! The force field effects are wonderful and the depiction of the War itself is more realistic likely do to the proximity in time to WW II. If you like Sci Fi you will love this movie!

I loved the additional original radio recording! It's nice to see the original movies that inspired the new ones, too, with all their "high-tech" special effects.