War of the Worlds / when Worlds Collide

Double bill of 1950s sci-fi classics produced by George Pal. In 'The War of the Worlds' (1953) the action is shifted from Victorian London to 1950s California in this adaptation of H. G. Wells' classic novel.

When Martians try to invade the USA, they strike terror into the hearts of the people with their sleek, stylish spaceships and fearful death rays. The military do their best, but their cannons and fighter planes appear useless against such a formidable foe. Is this really the end? In 'When Worlds Collide' (1951), when two planetoids are discovered to be hurtling directly towards Earth, scientists must quickly construct a Space Ark which will take 40 lucky people - chosen by lottery - to a new, Earth-like planet.

As the collision date draws ever nearer and catastrophes strike in the outside world, including tidal waves in New York, the travellers must cope with a revolt on the part of those left behind.