Updated: January 18, 2024

A short review of "The Day the Earth Stood Still"

A huge 'flying saucer' lands in Washington, D.C. A semi-panic ensues and troops arrive. A humanoid alien (Klaatu) and a robot (Gort) emerge, but Klaatu is wounded by a nervous soldier. Gort then uses his laserbeam 'eye' to melt the weapons right out of soldiers' hands and even a tank. Klaatu's arm is treated at Walter Reed hospital and he tries to arrange a meeting with the leaders of the world, but they cannot agree on a meeting place, letting pettiness and pride rule them.

"I'm impatient with stupidity. My people have learned to live without it".

The story continues with Klaatu escaping from the hospital, hiding out in a boarding house, befriending a young boy, and contacting a scientist in the attempt to meet with the best scientific minds of Earth. Even they require prodding, so Klaatu arranges to shut down Earth's power for half an hour (hence the title). He is hunted down by the military, is killed, brought back to life by Gort, and introduces the world to the phrase, "Gort, Klaatu barada nikto". One reviewer thought that means "don't destroy the planet".

I rather believe it means, "Hey, come get me!", but yes, "spare those dumb humans" is part of it. Anyway, once he finally has our attention (and is ready to leave), he addresses a world audience, warning us that unless the people of Earth stop their nuclear frenzy, which also endangers the rest of the universe, Gort and the rest of the robots on Klaatu's planet will reduce the world "to a burnt-out cinder". "The choice," declares Klaatu, "is yours." It still is.

Hard to believe this was made in 1951 - it's still a cool movie.

"The Day The Earth Stood Still - cast and credits"

Produced by 20th Century Fox Directed by Robert Wise Written by Edmund H. North Based on 'Farewell to the Master' by Harry Bates Cinematography by Leo Tover Music by Bernard Herrmann

Major Cast:

Michael Rennie Patricia Neal Hugh Marlowe Sam Jaffe Billy Gray Frances Bavier Lock Martin Drew Pearson Frank Conroy Carleton Young Fay Roope Edith Evanson Robert Osterloh Tyler McVey James Seay Klaatu Helen Benson Tom Stevens Dr. Barnhardt Bobby Benson Mrs. Barley Gort Himself Harley Colonel Major General Mrs. Crockett Major White Brady Government Man.

Showcase here are a series of different promotional posters issued over the years. Including over sea posters, the artwork is incredible. Value depends on condition and rarest of posters. Originals are always worth more than reproductions!

Value: $50-Up.