A model of restrained, professional film making, EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS would be one of the best 50s sci-fi efforts had Columbia studios provided more of a budget. Hugh Malowe plays a scientist attempting to launch earth satellites. After repeated failures, he discovers that flying saucers are destroying his satellites. After the destruction of Cape Canaveral by the "saucermen," Marlowe discovers a method of "toppling" the anti-gravity saucers.
From there the story pretty much unravels. The "saucermen" give Marlowe and his team plenty of time to develop a weapon capable of defeating them. Worse, the final assault on Washington is as senseless and ineffectual as the typical US Presidential debate. The aliens pick virtually no targets of tactical or strategic importance. Ray Harryhausen's flying saucers, the alien's "exoskeletons" and sound effects in this movie are especially standout.
From there the story pretty much unravels. The "saucermen" give Marlowe and his team plenty of time to develop a weapon capable of defeating them. Worse, the final assault on Washington is as senseless and ineffectual as the typical US Presidential debate. The aliens pick virtually no targets of tactical or strategic importance. Ray Harryhausen's flying saucers, the alien's "exoskeletons" and sound effects in this movie are especially standout.