Which do you prefer?
My mom prefers the British version because it has a happier ending, I like the British version better myself because of the extended scenes in the observatory...though, I can appreciate both endings and I think I'm on the fence about them because I like the happy endings too but the American ending just leaves you wondering.
The American ending, hands down. It also explains the dream-like sets, atmosphere and some of the unreality of the plot, all of which is just made to look dumb in the "straight", "realistic" British version. I thought the British ending was dull, unimaginative and has a rushed look about it.
Besides, the American ending isn't unhappy, though it does as you say leave you wondering a little, which is cooler. Supposedly the British ending was changed because the producer was told UK audiences would't like the it-was-all-a-dream ending.
The extra observatory scene is interesting but it is pretty extraneous and sort of slows the action. It also looks just like what it is: an unconvincingly-inserted afterthought.
But I like what I assume was an inadvertent phrase in your post: "I think I'm on the fence about them". Not the fence that used to stretch across the sand pit, I hope?
WOW! It all makes sense now.
I just watched this last night and I was wondering what the hell was up with those scenes in the police station. I thought maybe they were shot near the end of the production schedule and the producer had run out of money...
When I read your post, it all became clear to me - the WHOLE movie had been a dream and the ending wasn't just a cheap cop-out. The movie was actually planned and shot to be a dream. It also means the Dad didn't really slap junior. And that real cops wouldn't be so patronizing to a woman who just reported that her husband had disappeared.
Thanks for your comment.
You're welcome. Note also that the set for the police station was re-used for the lab scene where dad (Leif Erickson) takes a shot at Dr. Wilson (Robert Shayne). Same hall and linoleum. That has to be a dream, or a nightmare.
shareHello long lost hob, did you enjoy "Frankenstein Island" in Paree? You once knew me as Yod, but now I is out of the pod. Where you ever elected to burgermeister?
Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.
Oh, I liked "Yodzingie"! Anyways, ashamed to say, no Paree, no Ile de Franque du Stein -- had rather too much to do even with an extended stay in Angleterre. Oh, and no, lost the burgomeistership (plus the keys to the Rathaus) by 7 votes. Didn't drill holes in the backs of enough voters' necks to persude them whither to cast their ballots, let alone blow up a rocketship or set fire to Robert Shayne's basement. Well, just wait till next time. Ain't gonna be no dream then, suckers!
shareAnother clue that this was all a dream was they had giant green men instead of "little" green men that Martians were supposed to be.
shareThe American (Dream) version is definitely the best.
shareThe dream version. How else can you explain it?
shareI prefer the British version. The American version stars Helena Carter and the British version Helena Bonham Carter.
shareThe dream version. It is also the one I saw as kid, and the ending became a stuff of legends among me and my mates. It's like "phew, it was only a nightmare... about to begin again, but is it real this time?".
When I bought this film on DVD I'm sure I watched the alternative ending, but cannot actually recall it in detail anymore. Must have not been that special!
I prefer the American version, the British version sucks and is a total mood kill. It draws away from the whole point of the movie
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