 SPOILER: The original screenplay for the film contained a number of  scenes written but never used. These scenes actually made the film a  lot longer and a whole lot more darker. Among the cut scenes were: A  scene in the beginning with Mr. Lee. Originally, the burning cows  trampled over Mr. Lee, killing him, as his family watches in horror.  Another scene where the Martians break into the White House. The  White House decorator is decorating the Regan Room, and the Martians  break in through the window and vaporize him. An extended version of  the Doughnut World scene. The Hispanic woman at the doughnut shop is  trying to escape the building with Richie, and cops, when the  Martians attack. Richie gets out, turns around and sees the building  burst into flames. Then we see that she and the cops have indeed  died when he sees their skeletons. The death scene of Dr. Zeigler,  and the stealing of the translator device. An extended version of  the casino break in, including The death of Mr. Brian , who is  trying to save his money and gets zapped, as well as many other  gamblers getting vaporized. An alternate ending where Byron actually  IS killed by the Martians and the Martians drag his body away.  Planes fly by later, and kill those Martians with the  Slim Whitman (qv) music. Later, during the award ceremony, Byron  is remembered by Taffy in a long and sweet speech. Louise, Cedric,  and Neville are sitting in the audience of this ceremony, crying and  wearing black.