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As a scientific and technological revolution was sweeping across the world, so too were UFO sightings on the rise. In 1956, a low-budget independent film titled "UFO" was released, tapping into the public's fascination with the subject. Directed by Winston Jones and produced by Robert E. Kent, the film was made to be informative as well as entertaining, blending interviews with real-life UFO witnesses with thrilling reenactments of their encounter stories.

The film opens with the familiar sight of a flying saucer roaming the skies, as a narrator sets the scene by describing the recent surge in unexplained sightings. We then meet our three main characters, all of whom share an interest in UFOs. First up is Willis Sperry, who portrays a skeptical small-town reporter named Johnny Sands. Sperry's performance is understated and charming, as he takes us on a journey from skepticism to curiosity to flat-out belief. Nicholas Mariana plays himself, a rancher who captured the now-famous Great Falls UFO footage, and Delbert Newhouse plays a local sheriff who witnessed a mysterious object land in a nearby field. Both men are both believable and engaging on screen, adding credibility to the stories they share.

Throughout the film, we are treated to a series of dramatizations of real UFO sightings, including those of Mariana and Newhouse. These recreations are a mix of convincing footage and amateurish effects, but they work in the sense that they make the viewer feel like they could be watching a real UFO sighting unfold. The film also incorporates documentary-style footage of scientists discussing the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the potential dangers of advanced technological civilizations.

One of the standout scenes in the film involves Sands and Mariana examining the footage of the Great Falls UFO together. Mariana explains the mechanics of the camera used to capture the footage, and Sands questions the legitimacy of the object seen on film. The scene is well-acted and gives an interesting glimpse into the process of analyzing UFO sightings.

Overall, "UFO" is a fascinating piece of early UFO media that captures the zeitgeist of its time. The film takes itself seriously, but never loses its sense of fun. Its message is one of curiosity and openness to exploring the unknown, rather than fear and paranoia. While some of the special effects may look dated by today's standards, the heart of the film remains relevant and compelling to those interested in the unexplained.

It's worth noting that "UFO" was released during a time when UFO sightings were at an all-time high, and the U.S. military was launching investigations into the sightings. The film's focus on presenting real-life accounts of sightings and speculation about the possibility of extraterrestrial life likely appealed to many viewers who were fascinated and curious about the subject.

In terms of production value, "UFO" is clearly a low-budget affair, with a mostly amateur cast and some shaky camera work. However, the film's ambition and heart more than make up for its technical shortcomings. The script is well-paced and engaging, and the film's message feels genuine and sincere.

In the end, "UFO" is a fascinating piece of early UFO media that captures the public's fascination with the unexplained. While some of the special effects may look dated, the film's mix of documentary-style footage and dramatizations of real UFO sightings make for compelling viewing. The film's message of curiosity and openness to exploring the unknown is still relevant today, making "UFO" a must-see for anyone interested in UFOs or the history of the phenomenon.

UFO is a 1956 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.