War of the Worlds
Based On: The 1898 novel by H.G. Wells, as well as the 1953 movie in which whistling, stingray-shaped alien ships attack Los Angeles
Updating Technique: Starring Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning and set in New Jersey today, it has all the standard Spielbergian elements: high production values and children in peril
Stunt Casting: Ann Robinson has now appeared in three War of the Worlds: the first movie, the TV show and Spielberg's version
Investment: Cecil B. DeMille bought the rights from Wells in 1925. Paramount has owned them since

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