MovieChat Forums > The War of the Worlds (1953) Discussion > I think Ann Robinson was wrong!

I think Ann Robinson was wrong!

posted 12 years ago by BillK-5
10 replies | jump to latest

On the commentary for the DVD she states that there was no romantic relationship between Dr. Forrester and Sylvia, but it seems pretty clear from watching the film that there was.

I don't know how the actors portraying the characters could be wrong about it, especially if it wasn't explicitly stated in the script (perhaps there was unconscious heat between the actors?), but it's pretty clear to me the two characters are more than just "friends" by about half way through the film.

Anyone else?

[–] vestdennis 12 years ago

I wasn't aware of her saying that but I agree- it sure looks like it on the screen.

[–] BrainGremlin 12 years ago

Seems pretty clear indeed.

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Sad story. You got a smoke?

[–] wallacesawyer 11 years ago

I saw a romantic relationship between them before I even learned about sex. And I like how it flows better than some other films of the time, like with John Agar in REVENGE OF THE CREATURE or ATTACK OF THE PUPPET PEOPLE. Sometimes they feel so forced I wonder if he was playing sexual predators.

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[–] darryl-tahirali 10 years ago

. . . like with John Agar in REVENGE OF THE CREATURE or ATTACK OF THE PUPPET PEOPLE. Sometimes they feel so forced I wonder if he was playing sexual predators. - wallacesawyer

Have you seen John Agar in 1957's The Brain from Planet Arous? His character is inhabited by Gor, the "bad" brain from Planet Arous (there are actually two brains here--but two heads are not necessarily better than one in this movie), and that gives him license to act like a lech toward his character's fiancee (played by Joyce Meadows).

I didn't realize that Agar was being typecast like that. Interesting.

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[–] wallacesawyer 10 years ago

Have you seen John Agar in 1957's The Brain from Planet Arous? His character is inhabited by Gor, the "bad" brain from Planet Arous (there are actually two brains here--but two heads are not necessarily better than one in this movie), and that gives him license to act like a lech toward his character's fiancee (played by Joyce Meadows).

I didn't realize that Agar was being typecast like that. Interesting.

I have seen a abridged version of BRAIN ROM PLANET AROUS on the short lived TV series STEVE SMITH PLAYHOUSE, where comedian Steve Smith would overdub the main character's lines for the sake of humor. I don't recall scenes with a love interest, but do recall Agar overacting like crazy.

I know that doesn't count as watching the film, but it's the closest I've gotten so far.

http://www.freewebs.com/demonictoys/

[–] hobnob53 10 years ago

To the OP's question, Miss Robinson's statement that Sylvia and Dr. Forrester weren't romantically involved is just ridiculous. Nothing may have been consummated but of course they fell in love. Plus remember he tells her that when he wants to see something up close he takes his glasses off, then proceeds to leer at her by doing just that at least twice during the film.

Re John Agar, I don't think it was a case of him being typecast as a sci-fi lech as it was that the kind of movies he was being offered usually had poor writers who could only think of romantic relationships in that way.

Brain From Planet Arous is great! Gor turning Agar into an interstellar rapist -- several times! Pretty risqué, and Joyce Meadows was gorgeous. You have to see the legit film, not some idiot rip-off.

[–] hockeyhrs 10 years ago

There was NO romantic relationship between Dr. Forrester and Sylvia during the events of the movie . . . . but Sylvia is clearly sending out vibes that -- "when this is all over" -- she will be very receptive to having one develop.

[–] xenopharb 10 years ago

Forrester seeks her out in a city that is being destroyed by Martians all around him. He had no romantic reason for doing that at all? They had no reason to embrace when they both fought through a crowd to get to each other?

Give us a break, Ms. Robinson.

[–] Simplythebest11962 10 years ago

I agree there were plenty of scenes that implied they were hot for each other.

For instance, when they're in the ditch and she awakens in his arms, then he smiles lovingly @ her.

When they're @ the farmhouse and she's cooking him eggs.

When he's in LA and it's virtually deserted & he's looking for her.

Finally, @ the end of the movie it's pretty obvious that Dr. F. & her are enamored with each other. It's certainly MORE than platonic friends. 

Happy Valentine's Day!



[–] strntz 10 years ago

Give us a break, Ms. Robinson.

Coo Coo Coo Choo.. Oh wait, that was Mrs. Robinson. Never mind.

But that makes no sense. That they had some sort of connection going on in that film is hardly debatable. The way it seemed to me, it was obvious that these two college educated professionals would end up together.

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