Everything you need to know about The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

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[@iamatransporter]

Some classics should never be remade. This is a perfect example.

[@mark4d148]

Like Forbidden Planet! Simply one of the best, next to TDtESS imo.

[@MarkTheMorose]

Quite; the Keanu Reeves remake was utter rubbish.

[@timothyscanlon5156]

@@MarkTheMorose Well, stupid, but not without a little merit....none of which I can think of at this point.

[@fredfungalspore]

Sadly directors of today ... Only know one word Rehash. Gee don't come up with something completely outside of the box Today's movies are like my old record player stuck in the Grove playing over and over 😆

[@greeremalachi926]

and West Side Story: Ugghhh

[@q4fire]

This movie and The Forbidden Planet are still two of my all time favorite movies.

[@ron88303]

I would add This Island Earth.

[@jazzgtrs1243]

As a kid in the 60's, "Invaders from Mars" scared the bejesus out if me.

[@malachiXX]

I'd have to include along with those, both versions (1951 and 1982) of The Thing, the Day of the Triffids (1962 and 2009) and 12 Angry Men (1957)

[@johnbockelie3899]

That trigger fingered soldier always got me. Here's a flying saucer landing. And this guy freaks out on a device Klaatu holds out.

[@lawrencedoliveiro9104]

Both in the top tier of SF classics from the 1950s. Yet in Arthur C Clarke’s book “The Lost Worlds Of 2001”, relating the background to the making of Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” movie (and his novel), he seems to give the whole prior history of SF movies short shrift: “Of course, there had been innumerable “space” movies, most of them trash. Even the few that had been made with some skill and accuracy had been rather simpleminded, concerned more with the schoolboy excitement of space flight than its profound implications to society, philosophy and religion.” It seems to me, such implications are very much at the heart of both these movies. Maybe he had just never seen them?

[@FP194]

“I’m impatient with stupidity. My people have learned to live without it “ One of the best lines in a movie

[@david203]

In an open intellectual or ethical battle between stupidity and rationality, stupidity will always win. This might explain much about why the world is as it is.

[@DJRobbie54]

@JZ's Best Friend Even SO, If you don't stop your crazy'ness we're going to have to deal with YOU.. Are you sure you want to go down this Rabbit Hole,,, Gort Get Ready.

[@normanacree1635]

@@david203 Just look at how the battle resulted in the election of our president in 2016 and the anti-vaxxers today, and on and on into the future.

[@sparkyrunner4283]

@JZ's Best Friend You better be afraid, Jesus is coming for the second circumcision and this time you are going to learn to show some respect.

[@sparkyrunner4283]

@JZ's Best Friend May the invisible man up in the sky have Mercy on your soul for talking to an angel of the lord like that !!! I have placed a curse of a large wort to grow between your buns for that !!!

[@brainrussell6811]

Michael Rennie's performance and on-screen presence was a work of art... he brought a gentle edge to his otherworldly character. Great casting all the way through.

[@rondohunter8966]

So very much better than that POS that Keanu Reeves participated in. What a load of dung that was. Nope, the original is still the best, black & white and aged. Still the best.

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

@@rondohunter8966 True!

[@TomTimeTraveler]

Yes, Rennie was brilliant.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

@@rondohunter8966 They're traveling to the far-reaches of the Universe looking for the plot of TDTEST-2. They still can't find it. 🤦‍♂

[@rondohunter8966]

@@ThePianoMan1953 I was wondering why we were sending such very expensive satellites way the hell out there. You are right; even with FTL travel there's nothing to find.

[@tomjustis7237]

A small point about the excellent special effects of this movie. If you watch the scene when the spacecraft comes in to land, as it approaches, the shadow of the spaceship can be clearly seen on the ground. As the craft lowers down and comes in for a landing, the spacecraft and the shadow on the ground merge seamlessly. While this may be nothing in todays CGI world, that was phenomenal for 1951!

[@alexplorer]

Good point. Even with CGI, sometimes they forget details like that. Apparently there are several shots in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace where the CGI droids don't cast shadows while all the actors who were physically present do.

[@bryanbrett8943]

Indeed that was a special thing! I'm glad I'm not the only one to notice. After 52 years of my existance.....this is still one of my favourite movies.

[@Glicksman1]

Yes! That is an amazing sequence in any era. That it's in a 1951 film is just mind-blowing. It's the best sequence in the film. Another amazing sequence is in "Earth vs. Flying Saucers" (1956). The sequence where they go to meet the Aliens at their saucer on the beach at night is chilling and so very well done. It looks like it's really happening. Best in that film, too.

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

@@bryanbrett8943 I’m almost 76...and this movie is a classic black and white film... Michael Rennie was great!!

[@dotarsojat7725]

We could stand a visit from KLAATU!!

[@johntindell551]

This movie is special to me. I've watched it at least 100 times in my 69 years on this planet. It always feels like the first time.

[@madliberal7710]

Michael Rennie has to be one of the most under rated and badly used actor during his career. This movie along with War of the Worlds and Forbidden Planet were the best made science fiction during the 1950's regardless of the CGI effects we now see in present syfy movies.

[@marbleman52]

MADLIBERAL7....I can't believe that I actually agree with a liberal...HA... but your name does make sense because one has to be mad in the head to be one. But yes....the Big Three...the holy trinity of 50's science fiction..!! There are other real good 50's sci-fi movies too; along with a lot of silly ones, but these three seem to be a notch above the rest. I thought the movie: This Island Earth was real good and had a very interesting story: using big rocks like bombs...neat..!!

[@nordan00]

I’d have to toss “The Thing from Another World” on that list, too.

[@marbleman52]

@@nordan00 Yep, another good one..!!

[@christophersleight19]

"This Island Earth" was decent until the claw creature showed up.

[@marbleman52]

@@christophersleight19 I thought it was neat how the little airplane was pulled up into the spaceship.."holy tractor beam, Scotty.! ",and the enemy using big rocks as guided bombs. I think it was the Robert Heinlein novel The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress ( ???) where the government on the Moon threatened to send Moon boulders hurtling towards Earth to protect it's own unique way of life...or something similar. It has been many years since I read the book. I was a young person when I first saw This Island Earth ( what a great title! ) and I thought the creature was plenty scary. I had pity for it, considering how its race was used as slaves. But when the creature came after the man & woman on the spaceship and their hands were locked onto that bar and couldn't get free, that really terrified me..!! I have had nightmares where I am being chased by...something...and I'm trying to run but just cannot get my legs to work fast enough, like trying to run when you are in a swimming pool or in the ocean or other body of water. Yes, another good and different 50's science fiction movie.

[@michaelkirkpatrick7483]

A timeless classic film. 1st sci-fi film I saw as an impressionable young man in the late 60's. Have watched it countless times, and never loses it's spark with me. Thanks very much for posting this excellent video.

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

I think the first sci-fi movie I saw was “The Thing”...with James Arness as The Thing... Saw it at the drive-in...and it seriously scared the hell out of me!!

[@drydesert8036]

@@corinnepmorrison1854 Are you talking about the movie that takes place in the freezing climate. The creature keeps attacking the scientist and is killed by being shocked and it melts/disintegrates??

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

@@drydesert8036 Probably... I was a little kid when I saw it... Our family saw it at a drive-in movie theatre... Black and white... Pretty sure they electrocuted the monster when it jumped back onto a wooden pathway... I had nightmares for weeks...maybe even months!!

[@drydesert8036]

@@corinnepmorrison1854 That's the one, you and me both saw the creature feature as children. It's one of classics for sure. Black & white screen. Oh yes some of the best movies are only at their best in black & white, "It's a Wonderful Life, The Last Picture Show and even an old television series's like The Untouchables". I have listened to a few critics of movies over the years and it's without doubt a tribute the continued use of non color movies. The uses of grey and shadows just set the wanted narrative tones of photography in motion pictures. Thanks for your comment. PS, The movie Last Picture Show, was purposely done in black & white. The movie won awards I believe, but for sure Ben Johnson received an academy award for best actor. If you are unfamiliar with that movie please watch it if you get a chance. It's a piece of art with some fine actors just reaching their peak...

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

@@drydesert8036 I watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” during the Christmas season... Usually see it on regular broadcast TV...but I also have both the black and white and colorized versions on DVD... Prefer the black and white version... Black and white SciFi and horror films are so much more suspenseful!! “Psycho”... “The Day the Earth Stood Still”... “Frankenstein”... “The Mummy”... “Dracula”... “The Creature From the Black Lagoon”...all Universal classics!! The drama teacher from my high school, Granada Hills HS, James Rawley, appeared in one of the “Black Lagoon” movies... Robert Englund aka Freddy/Freddie Krueger, went to Granada and was probably one of Mr. Rawley’s students... Black and white TV... Robert Stack...”The Untouchables” was on ABC, I think...but I could be wrong... “Dragnet” starring Jack Webb and Ben Alexander... “The Lone Ranger”, Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels... The Adventures of Superman”, George Reeves... Hopalong Cassidy” starring William Boyd... “Wild Bill Hickok”, Guy Madison and Andy Devine... And of course Roy Rogers and Dale Evans...

[@walterfechter8080]

The opening theme by Bernard Herrmann still sends a chill down my spine and a sense of awe and wonder to my spirit.

[@CaminoAir]

Amen to that. Wonderful score.

[@nealbradleigh5069]

When we let the atomic "genie" out of the bottle, little did we know, like children behaving badly, that our actions would be noticed. Sci-fi writers prepared us for this. ROSWELL, THE Lubbock "lights", et al poured more fuel ⛽ on the fire. Maw and Pa Kettle got a REAL wakeup call, though the public, worldwide are still trying to stay asleep on this. Be it Hermann's ominous tones or whatever, there's no going back to Kansas. It's forward from here on, and it's weirder than you can imagine!

[@davidleebls1874]

Had a special music machine! Firmiments.

[@walterfechter8080]

@@davidleebls1874 -- A Theremin produced the eerie tonations whilst great orchestration did the rest. Maestro Bernard Herrmann was (and remains) true genius.

[@millionsofrecordsernieb7587]

It sounds amazing on vinyl!

[@nasabear]

The famous line, "Klaatu barada nikto", isn't the only bit of alien language heard in the film. Klaatu speaks, in his language, into some equipment (a radio, back to his home planet?) in his spaceship and it sounds quite realistic. I think this was one of the first times any effort was made a presenting plausible alien speech.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Great point!...and I found it rather sad, that during her interview, Patricia Neal did not even pronounce Klaatu correctly...However, Ms. Neal had suffered a stroke, in her mid-30s, so maybe that was an after-effect. BTW, I shall be careful with my following comment about her--but she was known for using the "casting couch" in order to get roles in Hollywood...I suspect that situation still exists to some degree, today.

[@jsl151850b]

I think you mean where he's programming the computer to selectively immobilize electrical power all over Earth.

[@malachiXX]

@@jsl151850b That's possible. The way I saw it, I worked backwards and thought "how would you prevent earth's destruction in as few words as possible?" To that end, I suggest that the phase "Klaatu barada nikto" means "Klaatu left instructions." That's assuming that Klaatu's language has a 1 to 1 word replacement, which is not guarenteed ever. So maybe Klaatu speaking his language into the machine is detailing how he will disrupt earth but also what to do in the event of his death. That's why Gort brings Helen into the spaceship instead of just leaving her there.

[@nasabear]

@@malachiXX My favorite translation of "Gort, Klaatu barada nikto!" is "Gort! I've fallen and I can't get up!". (For those not in the US, that references a well known TV advertisement.)

[@malachiXX]

@@nasabear Nice!

[@harrymason8982]

Without a doubt an all-time classic movie.

[@rongendron8705]

Great movie, but it would have been better & more futuristic if it was made in color!

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

@@rongendron8705 I disagree... Black and white is much more memorable...

[@shermankelly9062]

Patricia Neal still looks hot!

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

@@shermankelly9062 She was an extremely talented actress...

[@mercurywoodrose]

i have a story for you. growing up, this film was a classic in my family. we watched it on tv in the 60s, at least once. i knew the phrase klaatu barada nikto by heart by 1970. my dad was a huge fan of this film, having seen it in the theatre when it came out. my father became an artist in the late 60s, and was commissioned to do an art installation at a movie directors home in malibu. i went wwith my dad to the house, during one of his trips there. the directdor was Robert Wise. i got to stay at his mansion, eat at his dinner table, and watch movies in his basement theatre. he was scouting for his film andromeda strain and i went backstage with him to meet a broadway performer cast in the film, dancer Paula kelly. i saw his oscar for sound of music. he was a really nice man. but meeting the director of this film, at age 11, that was amazing. i will love this film forever.

[@noragracefergason5357]

Hello. May I, through you, would you allow some of Mr Wise “Magic” that rubbed of to you to rub off onto me. I truly feel I am in the presents of greatness. OMG, congratulations & thank you.

[@tubedude54]

This movie along with Forbidden Planet shaped my love of sci-fi back in the 60's when I was a kid. It caused me to get into astronomy as a hobby which I still enjoy to this day. When I first heard they were going to do a redo I was excited. When I saw it I was left with a bitterness in my mouth about whoreywood and how they can never do anything right when it comes to remakes. I heard someone was thinking of redoing Forbidden Planet... I hope that never comes to fruition!

[@Torgo-and-the-Lucifer-Cat]

Me, too. BTW, forbidden planet was based on the Shakespeare play "the tempest"

[@crystalheart9]

Seems like all they care about is using as many special effects as possible and who cares about a good story.

[@ahalfelven1]

Yes, I walked out of the remake....what a piece of senseless, incomprehensible trash !! The craftsmanship of creative people at that time of the original, who truly were interested in what they were making and loved their work, shows how we are devolving backwards in many things. Forbidden Planet, Day the Earth Stood Still and evenThe Thing stand alone above the quickie sci-fi films of the time that had no budgets.....(.but Ray Harryhausen could still make any sci-fi film fun to watch !!! ) .

[@starmnsixty1209]

👍👍

[@ronsmith7739]

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), still the best !!!!!

[@rkooyers]

Hi Ron! I see you. I’m from another dimension. Do you see me yet?

[@ronsmith7739]

@@rkooyers Loud and clear!!!

[@thomashumphrey4953]

Yeah the Remake sucked!!

[@keithcall7795]

One of my favorites. I thought the special effects with the shadow, as is mentioned previously, was very impressive for 1951. Seen it a million times, but it really stands up. Love the backstory on the robot and what had to be done for him to carry Patricia Neal. Fascinating stuff.

[@robjones2408]

A stone-cold classic. Michael Rennie was a major inspiration for David Bowie when he played the alien Thomas Newton, in "The Man Who Fell To Earth".

[@1pcfred]

I've heard that cocaine was Bowie's major inspiration. He was totally tuned up during the whole production of the movie.

[@afantini1]

I didn't know! Cool

[@kelvinh8327]

Michael Rennie brings much gravitas to this role.

[@BassedInVegas]

Definitely one of the greatest movies ever made. The remake with Keanu Reeves was a total waste, nothing against Keanu, just the movie itself and the horrible writing and premise of the remake and the huge CGI Gort in the remake was a total joke. When they did the remake they would have been far better off sticking to the original movie.

[@wildman2012]

I was so hoping the remake would do the original justice. While there are many moments that stand out in the film, overall, it falls flat.

[@wildman2012]

@@clickbaitcharlie2329 Definitely a drag on the story and poor acting.

[@manoo422]

Agreed, the remake was hugely disappointing visually and the story. Rather like the War Of The Worlds remake which was a film about Tom Cruise (or rather his character) that had 'war of the worlds' going on in the background!!

[@fredricclack7137]

Eye totally Agree!

[@farmerdeb2863]

I agree, totally! Awful movie! (Still love Keanu, tho!)

[@strafrag1]

The best sci-fi film ever. Just love it and it is as relevent in 2021 as it was in 1951.

[@scottmiller6495]

Absolutely!!!!!

[@hotchihuahua1546]

This movie and Forbidden Planet are my 2 favorite science fiction movies .

[@markuswx1322]

Loved the scenes where Drew Pearson and H V Kaltenborn appeared as themselves in news reporting roles. They were well remembered from their WW2 work and showed great authority in the roles. People in media don't speak with such distinctive voices today.

[@colinhalliley111]

My favorite space movie . Still after 60 years !

[@85rockhound]

The best Sci-fi film of all time!

[@rickkaylor8554]

I watched this a kid and it really impressed me then and today. The remake was not on the same level.

[@andresferrari5859]

The remake was horrible and wasted a lot of talented actors. Whoever thought that turning it into an environmental film was a good idea was an idiot. Sticking with the original storyline would have been much better.

[@rickkaylor8554]

@@andresferrari5859 I agree. I was so disjointed. With the money they spent and the acting talent they had it should have been amazing. Big let down.

[@waynemcintire8187]

I got to stay up past my bedtime (8:00pm) just to watch this movie on TV. I have seen it dozens of times since and it still thrills me like the first time.

[@georgesenda1952]

NBC Saturday Night At The Movies chose this as their first science fiction movie to show in the late 1950's, about 1957, I think. When it aired, we lived about 2 miles from the White House and the Washington Monument in straight line down 16th Avenue. We were already dealing with the fear of atomic war and this film scared the hell out of me because I thought Gort would be coming after me next. I was 5 at the time & was amazed they had a baseball diamond near the monument. I had no idea it was filmed in the studio. I used to walk all over that area from my apartment and it was my play area for another 5 years until we moved to San Francisco. It is one of my favorite films.

[@hagerty1952]

This was my first exposure to the film as well (SNatM). Unforgettable. I recall the absolute magic of seeing the diamonds in Klaatu's hand and thought they were glowing blue! (even though the film was in B&W). Being from DC, you should recognize that the background scene of the ship landing was shot from the top of the Washington Monument looking north towards the White House.

[@nybuffymeister8328]

I remember as well when aired on the Saturday Night at the Movies . Will always be a part of our childhood. Michael Rennie, his presence and wonderful speech tones were electric. Every time I’m in Washington looking at the Mall or driving through it some of the street tunnels, I’m again reminded of this classic movie. Perfect in every respect.

[@williamgrimberg2510]

My father had fabricated some of the set pieces such as the clear plastic half bubble and other parts used for the interior of the saucer or spaceship . He was extremely talented and artistic ,and had a custom plastic business for 48 years in Southern California where we produced specialized parts for many industries including the aerospace industry. He’s passed on now but every time I see this movie I think of him .

[@rayross997]

Cool, he is part of science fiction movie history!

[@hyacinthlynch843]

Without a doubt this movie and 'The Incredible Shrinking Man' are two of the greatest sci-fi films of 1950's cinema.

[@tcollingscollings9299]

The Incredible Shrinking Man is a very underrated classic....however the Fifty Foot Woman....is not

[@JayStein777]

Awesome! I just bought this on Blu-Ray and watched it the other night. This is an incredible film. Way ahead of its time and one of my favorites since I was a kid.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

The film does not cater to, or "talk-down" to it's audience...and is so realistic that parts of it seem to be of a documentary nature...The ethos of the early 1950s shown in that movie--as a youngster, I can remember certain social aspects of that time.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Incredibly influential film. Lucky to have seen it screened publicly back in the early 1980s. Thanks for reviewing, JB.

[@mdj.6179]

I really liked the concept that "Carpenter" was created to overcome people's prejudice about the different and unfamiliar. That aspect was shown when they immediately fired on him, then found out how similar he was...

[@AlexAquarius963]

I met a man who was at the Roswell crash cleanup. He was an MP in the 509th RAAF. He saw the dead aliens on a blanket by the crahsed craft. He told me that when this movie came out, it freaked him out. He knew that somehow, the producers knew something about what he saw. I made a video: Roswell New Mexico UFO Crash, MP Friend Cleaned It Up, Mormon Bishop. Or: Roswell MP Eyewitness, Dead Alien Bodies, "Sci-Fi Movie Prop" Cleanup

[@chirelle.alanalooney8609]

The Space Ship was a Fantastic and Best Rendition of a Flying Saucer that I've ever seen in a movie! I love this fabulous movie, after all these decades later!!!

[@justinreilly6619]

I watched this movie back in the early 80's as a young teenager and I loved it. I saw the remake and I remember being very disappointed. I rewatched the original and I feel this is still the best and a great film in itself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and thoughts on this film. 👌

[@christophersleight19]

The remake is trash, predictive programming, but trash.

[@carlgrove8793]

Why does Hollywood choose to do inferior remakes of classic films rather than new and original ones? It always puzzles me.

[@christophersleight19]

@@carlgrove8793 hey Carl, greetings from Colorado Springs Colorado. I would like to address your question. I want to preface my statement with, "this is what I think." (No claim it's etched in stone) Hollywood and the entertainment industry is based and driven by the occult. (There are plenty of sources to back this, I'm not demanding you agree with it) Everything in the industry today is agenda driven. If you are familiar with predictive programming this maybe easier to understand. When was the last time you saw a Superbowl halftime show that wasn't a satanic ritual? If you are not a football fan (I am not anymore) One more question. Watching movies, tv, listening to music there are certain threads that run through them. They are always there. A man from an evil empire made a statement once (I am paraphrasing) "tell a lie enough and it becomes the truth." Do you ever feel like entertainment is changing or attempting to change the belief Paradigm in our culture? There are stories told about actors, there childhoods, how and where they grew up. When Matt D and Ben A supposedly worked on the screenplay for their Oscar winning movie "Good Will Hunting," do you know where they watched the premiere? (@ Camp David with then President Bill C.) Does that seem odd? Carl, I hope all is well with you and your Families, thanks for your comment. Christopher

[@carlgrove8793]

@@christophersleight19 I have come across this theory before, and while I'm sure there are showbiz people involved in the occult, I would hesitate to say that there is some hidden agenda at work. Hollywood is basically driven by money, and if the occult (or anything else) becomes popular in some circles, it will start making such movies. Western culture doesn't have any common belief system as it did in centuries past (at least in the UK). I know "religion" is big business in the US though, so I suppose if the occult or anything else could be described as religion, it would get an audience. Sorry, I have never been a fan of US football (aside from the gymnastic displays by pretty girls) so I can't comment on whether there are evil influences there! Maybe you should write up your theory and collect some evidence in its support?

[@greglapointe1311]

The remake is an embarrassing piece of crap, the original is a masterpiece of sci-fi.

[@user-ev4rp3qb6x]

Got this film on DVD and every now and again I put it on , just a brilliant film , well acted with a fantastic cast . Way ahead of its time , and very thought provoking as well . The direction and writing must be given full credit and the design of the spaceship is so modern and functional, Hollywood at its best…….

[@crystalheart9]

I remember seeing this film when I was a kid with my family and I was surprised to see it came out in 1951 the year I was born. It must have been released to theaters some years later because my family and I went to see it. It was an amazing film and I was totally mesmerized watching it. When the guy on the space ship gave the woman the words she was suppose to say to the robot so he wouldn't kill her I was scared to death she wouldn't be able to remember what she was suppose to say. I kept saying the words over and over to myself so I wouldn't forget what she had to say when she saw the robot.

[@johngoerger8996]

Yep agree I was born 1951 Apr 2 those of us born in the 1950s were Sci Fi Kids!

[@crystalheart9]

@@johngoerger8996 So true, I loved Sci FI 🪐🚀

[@johngoerger8996]

FYI 1972)? Was in Pasadena CA Sept meet Gene Roddenberry, Deforest Kelly & James "Scotty" separately each talked with me for ~30 mins each. I was 21 @ the time. Later at Santa Ana College the Head of the Philosophy Department was a close friend of RAY BRADBURY! Walked into Philosophy 102 opened the classroom door was standing grinning at me---Ray Bradbury; he was teaching the class!!!

[@johngoerger8996]

Jim Christian wrote the text PHILOSOPHY: The Art of Wondering still published

[@crystalheart9]

@@johngoerger8996 Wow, it gives me chills. Lucky you! I was 21 in 1972 as well, time flies.

[@ivorbiggun710]

Amazing that a NY Times critic would write that Gort was not menacing. To me he/it is one of the finest examples of less is more when it comes to unnerving presence.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Yes!...after that film, as a kid I had a recurring dream of being chased across my grade-school playground by a Gort-ike robot!...Gort had God-like powers!...So interesting to learn about Lock Martin...who stood 7'4", but was represented as being 7'7" in publicity photos. Many super-tall folks like Martin, develop serious circulatory problems, due to their hearts having to service the extra length of their bodies...He died in his mid-forties, I believe.

[@staroceans8677]

Agreed!!

[@q4fire]

Agreed. I may be wrong, but I think that the Shrike from the Hyperion series of novels may have been patterned after Gort to a certain extent.

[@GeneralGeorgeS.PattonJr.]

13:55 Watch that part again... They said he was ugly & menacing. Which really, is even more ridiculous than saying he wasn't menacing. Handsome & friendly, NY Times wanted... Even then they were brainless.

[@mercurywoodrose]

that the directors forte. dont show when you can hint.

[@carlgrove8793]

The plot was supposed to be based on a short story by Harry Bates, "Farewell to the Master." But there is in reality little connection between the two.

[@Lumibear.]

Thank you Jonny! Great as always. I’ve always loved this movie, especially the soundtrack, the Theremin plus full orchestra combo has never been bettered and the skill involved is off the charts. That seamless ship still impresses, precision engineered, so smooth, both in looks and motion, astounding for its time. Thanks again!

[@johnbockelie3899]

I always liked that seamless door of the space ship. It always looked impossible.

[@johnbockelie3899]

Billy Gray starred in " Father knows best."

[@valeriekitover7363]

The descent of the Spacecraft is seamless

[@leviroch]

It was day of the triffids that had this effect on me. . . Probably hints at why I followed a career in horticulture and myrmecology, but still. . . It's those early movies that truly imprint a perspective upon oneself

[@nealbradleigh5069]

One many GREAT offerings from HAMMER, who dominated the industry in the late 50s to the early 60s. Kind of reminds you of MOTOWN gravy days in its industry. Unstoppable!

[@johnmcintosh8673]

"Myrmecologist! Why can't we just speak English"? - James Arness in Them

[@rocketman6129]

One of my top 5 all time movies. Set the mold for Sci Fi movies in the 50's. Great story and cast, truly lightning in a bottle.

[@williamblakehall5566]

Absolutely nothing against Patricia Neal, who has a fascinating filmography and gives a great performance, but oh! I would have been very interested in Anne Baxter as Helen. I'm fascinated by the whole question of whether Frank Lloyd Wright was actually involved or simply inspired the ship's interior design. I have to imagine that much of TDTESS's popular appeal was due to Gort. Somewhere I heard Eli Wallach responding to the movie, and saying simply "Gort was cool!"

[@darrensmith6999]

I love this movie its one of my favourite movies of all time. The 2008 movie is an absolute stinker they have been better doing a sequel to the 1951 movie. Nice on Jonathan (:

[@tomasinacovell4293]

It was favorite to me because it had this classic quality to it, a thinking person's SCIFI film, or real SCIFI that was as good as the best. I loved Forbidden Planet too, another movie with many firsts in it too.

[@darransykes3406]

An amazing film from my childhood in the 1970s.... The music was just brilliant and the religious allegory woven into the film was ingenious! A classic film like no other... And Michael Rene was a British lad, born in Idle, Bradford West Yorkshire and buried in Harrogate North Yorkshire....

[@PhotoTrekr]

One of my favorite movies of all time along with Forbidden Planet.

[@tiffanybiscuit7587]

Forbidden planet , war of the worlds , the thing , this island earth ......great movies from a bygone age.

[@jeffmartin1026]

I was able to see TDTESS in a theatre a few years ago. What a treat.

[@tootsie5052]

"The Day The Earth Stood Still" and "Forbidden Planet" are amazing movies!!!

[@sly2392]

the greatest sci fi movie of all time.

[@1952creswell]

Absolutely without a doubt!!

[@imapatching09]

My Grandma, who loved movies of sci-fi and musicals, took me as a child to see this and I have loved the genre all my life. I have thought of this many times because while driving with a friend back from work, both saw a UFO in 1968 where we experienced missing time.

[@emitindustries8304]

Wow! This is a very well done video about one of my favorite sci-fi movies. "Mr. Carpenter", his resurrection, and the message about peace, are definitely a Christian reference, no doubt. That was typical of the time, with WWII still ringing in the ears, and the "Godless Commies" threatening world happiness. The Theremin music is some of the finest you'll hear in a movie, and set the tone throughout.

[@zapdunga12]

John Carpenter. J.C.

[@osenator]

One of my favorite classic! War of the worlds and this one I grew up with, watching with my father.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

As a young kid in the 1950s, I enjoyed the several really good Sci-fi epics of that time frame...this movie of course, and then a good one called "Them" (featuring several actors who became well-known later on), "This Island Earth", "The Thing", "It came from Outer Space", and of course, George Pal's great special effects movie "War of the Worlds"---this last one had one flaw--the dialogue was mediocre.

[@bondgabebond4907]

@@curbozerboomer1773 : As a young kid in the 1950s, you dated yourself. I, too, watched these movies in my youth in the 1950s, every one you mentioned. Little by little, I'm getting Blu-ray disks of these timeless movies. I loved It Came From Outer Space for its story. The Thing was an OK movie, but I loved the John Carpenter's version a little better. I stomached Plan 9 From Outer Space, spooked by The Man from Planet X, and even saw that softcore porn Flesh Gordon. Then there was the greatest of the great for that time period, Forbidden Planet.

[@curiousworld7912]

I've loved this movie for as long as I can remember. It was not only well-written, well-acted, and well-produced (I had no idea of the FL Wright connection to the ship's design), but it was one of the few films to show us as reactive, paranoid, and aggressive - as opposed to being the victims of 'outside forces'. It told us to 'behave ourselves' - as good and meaningful a message now, as then. And, just to add to the fun: "Michael Rennie was ill, the day the Earth stood still, but he told us where we stand...". :)

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

I thought about your comment for a moment and I realized that, so far as sci-fi films from this time period, this is really the ONLY movie which said "Reacting violently toward visitors from outer space is bad." Every other movie from the 50's... The Thing, War of the Worlds, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, on and on and on... all of them show humans going to war with space monsters. This was really the only movie that said "Put your guns down, you primitive idiots. You're just making fools of yourselves."

[@curiousworld7912]

@@Tessmage_Tessera I was fairly certain that this was the only sci-fi film of its time to take this point of view, but I wasn't certain. I sure couldn't think of any others. We Americans, in particular, tend to shoot first, etc...

[@gabriellen.2886]

One of the greatest ever! I never tire of rewatching it, and it still has relevance to this very day. A true classic of the genre.

[@garyreid6165]

The Day The Earth Stood Still is one of the all-time greatest science fiction films. The first time I saw it on television, Gort gave me nightmares. The message of the film is timeless, my humble opinion. Michael Rennie was perfect as Klaatu. The score by Bernard Hermann was and still is a great and memorable score. Klaatu says the following things to Gort; “Gort! Declatu Glasco!” “Gort! Borrenga.” “Gort. Klaatu, Borada Nikto,” was spoken by Patricia Neal’s character after she was instructed by Klaatu before he is gunned down. The Gort costume was found in a cellar after 25 years. Michael Rennie’s character The Keeper was one of my favorites on Lost In Space. He was in the Irwin Allen film The Lost World, with Claude Rains, David Hedison and Fernando Lamas. Rennie was The Sandman in Batman.

[@paulm749]

Just a great movie, and it still is. One of the best things about TDTESS is that it shows how a sci-fi story can deal with important philosophical issues in a mature, thoughtful manner.

[@billdirlam744]

As a child of the 1960s I felt that "The Day the Earth Stood Still" was the gold standard for serious science fiction storytelling. For me it was also an elusive experience because my first viewing of the entire movie was sometime in the 1970s. I couldn't understand why it wasn't shown on broadcast television much earlier as so many other films had been.

[@david203]

I think SF has always been thought of as an interest of a tiny demographic. The great Science Fiction Theatre series from about the same time happened almost by accident. Thankfully, "2001: A Space Odyssey" and a few other excellent films were made much more deliberately by film makers of great vision. But there are hundreds of SF stories and novels that would make wonderful movies for those who could appreciate them,.

[@Jay-uo5of]

I still vividly recall watching this movie with my papa at five years old as a kid. It inspired me to write sci-fi and is part of my inspiration to pursue being a writer. I still can remember eating popcorn sitting in the big arm chair with him on the edge of my seat.

[@scottmiller6495]

Thank you for your comments and tribute to a fantastic film, Bravo!

[@Cafeman_2D]

Coincidentally, a friend recently played Somewhere over the Rainbow on a theramin, an instrument I'd never heard of, It was eerily fantastic. He mentioned it's use in this film, and today I noticed your documentary program on the film. Thanks Jonathon!

[@billmonaco8424]

A theramin is also used by The Beach Boys in their song Good Vibrations

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

We have a theramin in our home...

[@willywilkins7494]

I am a 68 y.o. sci fi buff and have never heard the ship was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright before! Makes perfect sense though. Thanks Jonny.

[@davidpantoja676]

One of my favorite sci fi films, thanks for the behind the scenes look.

[@bondgabebond4907]

I was 2 when this film came out. Today I have it on DVD. Still an impressive movie with Gort standing guard.

[@simonovessimon4242]

JonnyBaak---done very good docu. on this film,,hugh marlowe was in another TOP sci-fi movie in 1956..

[@Dorelaxen]

I remember seeing it as a very small child (not more than 6 or so), and Gort scared the ever loving crap out of me. Klaatu...barada....nhuugghughghg...

[@robbieaussievic]

..... As a child I remember thinking, why didn't she write it down (Gort command).

[@kylecurry577]

Classic sci-fi movie. This gem along with “The Thing from Another World” both in 1951gave absolute credibility for the first time to the genre. Wonderful & compelling story that was thoughtful & well acted. “Highbrow” science fiction @ its best. A very enjoyable watch & one of my favorites. Unfortunately the remake...I thought was not good @ all. “ Klaatu, Barada, Nikto...!”.

[@lilliansteele7165]

I read this during the summer of 2021. My dad had died several month prior to this and it got me through a terrible season of loss for you see my dad was my hero, and also it gave me the courage to grow stronger and continue to grow emotionally as well. My mom was a history educator and she knew that me and my brothers loved "Lost In Space" and the "Time Tunnel". So there you go.

[@Torgo-and-the-Lucifer-Cat]

Side note: i believe gort represents the "golem", too. And there is other jesus symbolism; neal is mary Magdalene and her boyfriend is judas.

[@alpha-omega2362]

I have always hated the actor Richard Carlson since he betrayed Klaatu.....when ever i see him in anything else, I cringe.....maybe its because he's a lousy actor or the characters he plays are so slimey....

[@Torgo-and-the-Lucifer-Cat]

@@alpha-omega2362 he plays a slimeball in "tormented!", Too

[@kalburgy2114]

@Alpha-Omega Richard Carlson? Hugh Marlow plays the boyfriend of Patricia Neal's character.

[@alpha-omega2362]

@@kalburgy2114 wow, I can't believe I have been wrong all these years. But you do have to admit that they look and sound alike. so I guess I will have to dislike both Marlow and Carlson now...lol....

[@chaplainjoseph4444]

To discuss this film is a matter of acknowledging that others of similar viewpoints have seen and understood "The Day The Earth Stood Still". A most comforting and assuring environment.

[@larscain3263]

I saw this in 1951 at the Hollywood in Pottsville penna. I was a freshman in high school.

[@odysseusrex5908]

15:10 the film, "Had something important to say." They used to make a lot of movies like that. What was the last movie you saw that had something at all, much less something important, to say?

[@edwarddowney2513]

Brilliant film..a classic.

[@GregWampler-xm8hv]

JEEBUS GORT!!!!!!!!!!!! I saw this the first time when I was 5 and by God that visor raising and that little glitter along with that synthesized music made for little sleep that night. Still gives me the willies. 😎

[@timgarrett203]

Thank you! I learned a few thing about this beloved movie!

[@Glicksman1]

For a film released squarely within the horrendous, unamerican McCarthy era, its overall message goes far beyond other sci-fi, fantasy films of its time. Clearly drawn criticism of American culture, government, and politics, as well as pointing out the folly and consequences of unreasoning fear of the "other" was never before (or much since) a part of this genre. A daring and imaginative film, even some of the actors who performed in it did not fully appreciate its unique significance. One of my favourite films of any genre, it is more than an inimitable classic, it has become a part of our mutual cognizance about ourselves and an example of how and why music, literature, film, and television are such important parts of our lives. Two criticisms of the film (not of what it says) - When the device for observing life on other planets is stupidly shot and destroyed, Klaatu surely would have the means by which he could replace it, either immediately or in a short time. Such revelations as the device would provide would likely cause a drastic and immediate change in the course of human thinking and conduct. Klaatu's mission would be accomplished by this device alone. This one is not as important, but it always bothers me when I watch the film - There is no way in hell that people would be permitted to come within a mile of the spacecraft, if not farther. In 1951 we knew (all too well) about radiation and atomic weapons. It might be a bomb or other dangerous device, and just the possibility that some jerk might throw a stone or something at it (or shoot at it) or do something that might damage or set it off would not be permitted. The Johnson Wax building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Thanks for your excellent review of this film.

[@david203]

I think Carpenter must have suspected that the Earth people would not react well to a gift. Surely all the soldiers and weapons would have given him certainty. Why bring Gort if he could solve Earth's idiocy with a simple device? But he had to go through the motions, because his ethics required it. Such a good plot.

[@Glicksman1]

@@david203 Yes, the plot is superb and the execution of the film is excellent. However, it has always struck me odd that Klaatu's people did not apparently do much if any serious research and observation of Earth and of human beings, except for learning to speak in English, and landing in D.C., which shows a definite bias. This is never explained in the film. Also, if Gort was necessary to enforce the rules of space peace, then some kind of resistance would at least be considered to be a possibility. If so, why no protective bubble around the spacecraft and Klaatu, including his present? Klaatu saw the aggressive military response and should have expected it. Accordingly, why expose himself to a mere bullet? Virtually every film, no matter how good has plot holes and unanswered questions. This does not detract from the film at all, IMO.

[@david203]

@@Glicksman1 @Glicksman1 Perhaps some of the film was cut to make the film more compact. At any rate, it was clear that Klaatu was a representative of a group of extraterrestrial civilizations. He could have been trained on Earth for his role, like Gary 7 in Star Trek. I think his visit was an explicit test for Earth civilization, giving Earth plenty of chance to redeem itself. The visit did not necessarily reflect on the full knowledge they had of Earth; there was no reason for this, as they had no intention to share their advanced knowledge (Prime Directive for first contact). They certainly suspected violence, which is why Gort came along.

[@Glicksman1]

@@david203 Those are good points but they conflate StarTrek directives with those of the people Klaatu represents. Certainly, some scenes were cut when editing the film, which is universally done. However, cutting so much of what might have been a significant, interesting, and important part of the story is not likely. I doubt that any of what you mentioned was ever written or filmed. That Klaatu's people expected the possibility of resistance, thus Gort, is exactly what I wrote. It's just that he did not prepare for it very effectively or presciently as we might well expect of a visitor from another world. If they can get here while we cannot get there, or even are conscious if there is a "there" or where it might be, by definition makes them far more advanced than we. All I'm saying is that it's not unreasonable to expect them to understand us better and to have prepared better.

[@david203]

@@Glicksman1 Having watched the film many times, I must completely disagree with you. But since this point is purely a matter of opinion, there is no need for one of us to be right and the other wrong.

[@ghw7192]

I saw this movie later when I was about 12. I was already a sci-fi fan and this movie cemented that love. I also became a Patriciia Neal fan and remained one until her death in 2010. Over 70 years after its release, still a remarkable movie. Excellent teview! Thank you!

[@gullwingstorm857]

I've loved this movie ever since I was a child. It's brilliant.

[@gullwingstorm857]

@JZ's Best Friend Yep, what a horrible disappointment that was.

[@the_curtains]

One of my favourite films of all time

[@barrymurphy1337]

Great to see more new content Jonathan - I hope you're feeling well mate.

[@esstee9595]

Thank you for this post. I'm 67 and remember watching this movie on B&W TV when I was a kid. I loved it then and I love it now. So good in so many ways. Michael Rennie was awesome if not perfect. Patricia Neal too. Sam Jafffey unforgetable. The plot...the message...the special effcts for the time including the space ship and of course .... Gort! I tell my son it's the best sci-fi movie ever, and Gort the best robot ever. (Gort can turn the earth into a burned out cinder!!) He scoffs but given time and maturiry, he may well see...I speak the truth!!! A Robert Wise classic. And by the way, Michael Rennie starred in another great sci-fi movive: Cyborg 2087. Years ahead of it's time in mid 60's.

[@valeriekitover7363]

The simplicity of the Spacecraft….and visuals of the “Aliens”…..was so eerie and beautifully shot….Directors don’t know how to hold a “Scene”…..anymore….Incredible Movie

[@captain7290]

About The Thing, I found it interesting that the, off the cuff banter was just that but it really added to the film. AND the choice of Gun Smoke's leading actor Marshal Dillon, James Arnesz, was a great choice and a real hoot. LOVED that film.

[@redmach12003]

I remember seeing this in the 1950's. Scared the daylights out if me. I still get chills watching it. Someone in my area owns one of the Gorts mentioned. It was on display in a local theater lobby years ago and I had to make a special trip just to see it. Even up clear, it was still scary. It is a Sci-Fi classic movie.

[@julieisthatart]

I also saw this at the drive in when it first came out. I was a little girl with very little exposure to media. It absolutely terrified me. I had no clue it was fiction.

[@rogerrendzak8055]

Very nice, short documentary!! This is one of the best sci-fi/horror films, ever made!! And loved by many, science fiction afisonados!! So more info about something we love, is always good 😊!!

[@roger263]

Hi Jonny, a great review of a truely great movie. With a message that is more important than it ever was. Hope you are feeling better. Rog

[@RickPMandel]

A very nice retrospective. Thank you so much for your treatment of the film that introduced so many of us to the possibilities of science fiction

[@RageofCrom]

One of my favorite movies! Nice to have you back!

[@rebeccacarter1914]

I remember seeing this as a child after school. Many years later, I moved from to D.C. and worked near Dupont Circle. I was fascinated to recognize some of the landmarks from the movie decades later.

[@dragonan5674]

After seeing the color stills, especially of Klaatu's suit, I'd like to see a colorized version of the film.

[@honodle7219]

Michael Rennie played 'The Keeper' to terrifying effect in 'Lost in Space TOS season one. This two part episode was so well acted by Rennie it remains a solid performance to this day. Oh, and he was a crazy handsome man in his day. Serio0us SciFi started about this time, as technology was then rapidly advancing and such things became thinkable.

[@ggwho4495]

I Agree Michael Rennie as the keeper & Klaatu Was absolutely some of his best work. And he was Gorgeous too! He was my first celebrity crush. ❤❤🔮

[@DarkDennis1961]

One of my faves. Michael Rennie is a great actor

[@andresferrari5859]

Isn't it interesting that the 50's gave us some of the best ever science fiction movies. This film along with "Forbidden Plant" showed how important the story was. There where several others from the 50's that were also excellent, but these two are the standouts.

[@gangoffour6690]

My all time favorite science fiction movie. How I wish this scenario would come true today 🛸.

[@wcharliewilson7004]

I really appreciate your work, Jonny. Prayers...

[@scronx]

What a beautiful, fitting tribute to this classic. Kudos and thank you!

[@new_yawker901]

This movie is my favorite golden age sci-fi movie, hand's down!

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

I tip my hat in respect to composers like Bernard Herman and Leonard Bernstein who embraced and acknowledged electronic Instruments as actual emancipated instruments when it was not "cool" by the majority of contemporary composers. Even composer Jerry Goldsmith was also very open to new sounds like that.

[@jeffsmith2022]

Love this film...Quality in any form, always stands the test of time...

[@Lockbar]

One of the best films ever made, and as stated in your report, way ahead of its time. I'm surprised Zanuck was so enthusiastic about it.

[@mik300z]

Welcome back Jonny, and thankyou, going to enjoy this later😊

[@daveherriman6577]

Thank you SO much for this effort! You collected wonderful stills from the production-set. I had seen the movie about a dozen times before finding and reading the original short story. THAT completely blew me away, turning the emphasis over onto Gort's authority instead.