Title: Battle of the Worlds
Year: 1961
Genres: Science Fiction; Adventure
Director: Anthony Dawson (Antonio Margheriti)

Cast:

• Claude Rains as Professor Benson
• Bill Carter as Cmdr. Robert Cole
• Umberto Orsini as Dr. Fred Steele
• Maya Brent as Eve Barnett
• Jacqueline Derval as Mrs. Collins
• Carol Danell as Cathy Cole
• John Stacy as Dr. Cornfield

Synopsis:

At a remote astronomical station on a tranquil island, Dr. Fred Steele and his colleague Eve Barnett prepare for marriage when they detect a rogue planet—dubbed “The Outsider”—hurtling toward the Solar System. Professor Benson assembles a small rocket crew led by Cmdr. Robert Cole to intercept it. Upon arrival, they discover the planet is an automated alien base wielding psychic power over a fleet of flying saucers. Racing against time and dwindling oxygen, the team infiltrates the brain-like core of the Outsider, severs its control, and escapes just before their ship is destroyed—saving Earth from invasion.

Trivia:

• Compiled for American audiences from two episodes of Shintoho’s Japanese Super Giant series, this feature was retitled from its original Il pianeta degli uomini spenti.
• Renowned actor Claude Rains takes on his only science-fiction role, lending gravitas to the story’s high-concept premise.
• Despite modest Italian production values, the film is praised for Antonio Margheriti’s inventive model work and imaginative alien set designs.
• The U.S. distribution rights were not renewed, placing the film in the public domain and ensuring its wide availability on budget DVDs and streaming platforms.