What a low point for the man from "Casablanca" and "The Invisible Man." He plays a testy old guy who seems to strike fear into all those around him. He is an astronomer who is aware that some odd thing is going on, having to do with a planet/asteroid that is approaching the Earth. Apparently, it is a screening device for flying saucers, set to attack and destroy the earth. It's another one of those movies where everyone understands the science, but the viewer has not a clue what they are talking about. Rains keeps talking about the Bigwigs in the government. Apparently, there is some kind of federation that sets up roadblocks and whom he must answer to. He wants total control of the efforts to get rid of the invaders. He banters and intimidates. He almost has a glow on him when he appears in different places. There are lots of explosions and few explanations. Rains becomes possessed and will listen to no one. It's just not very good.
Review of Battle of the Worlds
