This book was a surprising take on a story that I thought I knew.  While the story stands alone quite nicely, if you are expecting anything even similar to the original movie, starring Michael Rennie, produced in 1951, be prepared to encounter a completely different story.  I fully recommend this story and the others contained in this collection.  Mr Bates looks more into the make-up of the primary protagonist than into the visitors.  I will not expose more of the story line here, but it is still thought provoking and worth your time.