Red Planet Mars

I fondly remember the movie and particularly liked the conceit used to open communications with the aliens (the number sequence for pi). It was also thrilling to think that world peace could come about. On reseeing the movie over the years, and with the actual passing of the USSR and soviet communism, the movie doesn't really hold up. It's in the museum of propaganda films now. The closing screen was "The Beginning."

If you´re an anti-communist and you think Communists aren´t human being you will probably like this movie. (And if you´re so stupid to think nazi-communists do exist) The plot is mediocre, not-surprising and the religious message is quite annoying. Watch it if you like Ed Wood and B-class movies.

An old-fashioned revival of faith sparked by a message from Mars touches an Earth under threat of nuclear war. This probably seems like a silly plot idea to a lot of modern sophisticated people. Except, this is almost what happened in Eastern Europe in our lifetime. Pushed beyond its military-industrial ability by the defense initiatives of Ronald Reagan(also a man of faith), the Soviet Bloc was pushed over the edge as people of faith in Poland, the Baltic republics, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, and even Mother Russia herself protested and pushed toward democracy and freedom. The combination of political, economic, and spiritual forces have reshaped a continent and changed our world. The candles and prayers didn't hurt. "Well done, Simplicity!"

I recall seeing this as a youngster and being really disappointed! No Flash Gordon, no rockets, space guns, not even any Martians. After viewing it again recently, I realize, there was a REAL story here. More fantasy then sci-fi, views more like "The Next Voice You Hear", another movie that dealt in the spirtuality of modern times. A great cast performs admirably and the unexpected conclusion make this one well worth a second look.

Peter Graves plays a scientist in San Diego, California who receives messages from Mars on his radio transmitter (sneakily intercepted by the Russians); initially, the decoded Martian messages about prolonged life and their unnecessary need for industrial mechanics throw America's population into a tailspin. However, it turns out Mars is a Christian planet, and their next communication with us, a regular "sermon on the mount", begins to ease tensions and starts a religious revival worldwide. Talky think-piece, adapted from a play, amusingly full of clean-cut, incredibly polite Americans and savage-acting Russkies. Not likely to please science-fiction fans who are used to propulsive action, though the b&w cinematography by Joseph Biroc is excellent and there are some interesting ideas and a last-act plot-twist. Released at a time when communist hysteria was running rampant in the U.S., the movie is brave enough to attempt a humanitarian tact--and naive enough to believe in what it preaches. A livelier cast might have made it more memorable, but check out Peter's big-screen TV! ** from ****