Why a Corona group is screening the 1953 film, ‘The War of the Worlds’

The Corona Historic Preservation Society is showing the 1953 film “The War of the Worlds.”

And it’s not just because its members are science fiction fans.

The movie will be on the big screen again because it features a glimpse of downtown Corona — and the city is mentioned in a line of dialogue.

The society’s screening is set for Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Starlight Cinemas at Dos Lagos.

Based on H.G. Wells’ story, the film chronicles an invasion of Martians on a small California town.

Shots of downtown Corona can be seen in the opening scenes that depict a UFO passing through the night sky, a society news release states.  Also, the city is mentioned in the line, “And where are we? Southwest of Corona somewhere,” as stars Ann Robinson and Gene Barry flee the Martians. Filming took place in January 1952.

Two film historians will speak before the screening and answer questions after the film.

They are Bill Rosar, an author, educator and lecturer with an academic background in motion picture production; and Robert Skotak, a Hollywood filmmaker and winner of Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects for the movies “Aliens” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” Skotak is also a film historian and author.

“This is a great opportunity for all Coronans to see a film featuring scenes of our downtown as it appeared 67 years ago,” the release states.

The movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. at the theaters, 2710 Lakeshore Drive, Corona.

Tickets are free for historic society members and $5 for others. Members of the group’s Facebook page are not considered society members.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://chpswaroftheworlds.eventbrite.com.

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