The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) *First Time Watching*| Movie Reaction & Commentary

Full length reaction on Patreon: / casualnerdreactions
My first time watching The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) Actually it's my first time watching a sci-fi film from this time period and it did not disappoint! I absolutely love the simplicity of the story and how it unfolded and even left me with a little something to think about. I hope you enjoy my movie reaction for the day the earth stood still!
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Original Movie: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

This classic sci-fi film truly felt like it came from a different era. It had a certain charm about it that I thoroughly enjoyed! What are your thoughts The Day the Earth Stood Still?

[@shwicaz]

As a kid, I was bored to tears. As an adult, I love it.

[@botz77]

50's sci-fi is so great. Love this, War of The Worlds, Invasion of The Body Snatchers, The Thing From Another World, It! The Terror From Beyond Space, The Blob, Planet of The Vampires, etc. So many cool imaginative films.

[@robertjewell9727]

I actually think it's a great film and wish it was rereleased today. I may have mentioned before that my friend Dorothy's father did the iconic soundtrack. His music for the Arlington Cemetery/Lincoln Memorial scene is exceptional and so quietly poetic in its nuance with image and dialogue as well as the title sequence and Gort's menacing presence among other moments. I also actually watched this film in Abingdon, VA where Patricia Neal lived who plays Helen and watched it with us at a screening of the film.

[@innercircle341]

Love the wide range of movies and how you react. A treat every time

[@kevintheindianbluepeacock2359]

Hi Chris ! Hats off to you for reacting to this version rather than the remake (which starred a very wooden Keanu Reeves!). 👍 Yes it is very much of it's era, but still worth a watch today. Have posted this comment before actually watching your full reaction, but I know I'm going to enjoy it with you. Can't wait to see what you are going to surprise us with next?! Your good health, Ian

[@chrisboot2468]

The phrase "Klaatu Barada Nikto" is one of the classic phrases in all of sci-fi!!

[@mousetreehouse6833]

"Klaatu Barada... Necktie!" (Army of Darkness)

[@macroman52]

It translates as “garbage man comes on Thursday”

[@davidlionheart2438]

A landmark in science fiction filmmaking, brilliantly directed by the legendary Robert Wise and brilliantly scored by the legendary Bernard Herrmann. An excellent cast with Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, and Sam Jaffe standing out. It is very obviously a Christ allegory, but so many people seem to miss it entirely: Klaatu comes from the "heavens" to offer humanity a path to "salvation", he chooses the name "Carpenter", Professor Barnhardt becomes his "disciple", he is killed trying to spread his message, he is resurrected and ascends back to the heavens. The film was never intended to be overtly religious, but it makes fascinating use of the Christ story. Btw, another excellent reaction!

[@mousetreehouse6833]

Yes, I totally agree with the religious aspect of the film, including Klaatu involving a female in the plan (women in biblical times were considered second-class citizens - yet Jesus treated them as equals. Klaatu also regards Helen as an intelligent human being).

[@melvynbuckton6881]

Wrong that only applies to one religion

[@garysatterlee9455]

you have to know that those news reporters at the beginning of the movie were all ACTUAL well known, respected news reporters of the era. That gave this film a sense of authenticity before it even got rolling.

[@jasontoddman7265]

This includes Gabriel Heater; the voice on the radio advocating hunting the alien down when Klaatu enters the rooming house.

[@eldraco1588]

Also, Drew Pearson, a major national syndicated columnist, reporting as he watches the t.v. monitor.

[@jnagarya519]

One of those 'respected" "journalists" -- in the fedora and mustache -- was Walter Winchell, who was a fake-news tabloid sensationalist hack.

[@dovegrey1]

"Michael Rennie was ill the day the earth stood still...." first lines of a great song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This is one of my favorite 50's sci fi movies EVER! Intelligent, leaves it up to the person viewing to figure out what might have happened, but also a message to all that we can move to a better course than the one we're on now (this was during the Cold War and all), we don't have to destroy ourselves. Michael Rennie was so handsome, if he hadn't been the alien, why wouldn't you welcome him into your boarding house? So civilized and well-mannered. Love the relationship between him and the boy, although today much would be made about it...."why does he want to be around your child?" blah blah blah....Excellent choice!

[@shainewhite2781]

This is a powerful Sci Fi movie, with a strong message: If we end up destroying ourselves with nuclear weapons, we'll never change our ways, because our children will never be born into a world of dread and fear and prejudice.

[@christhompson6010]

yea my biggest fear of this generation seeing this would be getting caught up on how dated the special effects were and missing the strong message this movie sends that's as relevant today as it was then. that final speech is incredible as specially for the time this was released.

[@AlanCanon2222]

@@christhompson6010 Hopefully some more young reactors will pick up on it, and we'll get to find out more of what they think. So far, seems like 1 for 1 on not being distracted by it looking dated.

[@christhompson6010]

@@AlanCanon2222 yea there are people out there who are mature enough. Not all is lost I guess.

[@EastPeakSlim]

Sci-fi Lesson #1: NEVER piss off Gort.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Taking notes!! 👏👏👏

[@coxmosia1]

My favorite line from this movie is when Klaatu tells the representative that his people have learned to live without stupidity. Great choice.

[@daveautzen9089]

I know I’m not a patron or anything, but I recommend the original “War of the Worlds” from the 50’s. This movie has such an interesting message, but I know humanity would not be able to control our urges to fit in this universal society. Best to just stay here, out moon, and maybe Mars. An excellent film. The remake is ok, but this one far surpasses it.

[@HermanVonPetri]

"War of the Worlds" and also "Forbidden Planet" would be excellent followups to this film.

[@AlanCanon2222]

Seconded, it's completely gripping.

[@RetroRobotRadio]

@@HermanVonPetri This Island Earth is also an excellent film in the same vein as this.

[@douglascampbell9809]

The best version of War of the Worlds. The remake is horrible.

[@douglascampbell9809]

I would also add The Blob from 1958 and The Creature From The Black Lagoon from 1954.

[@majkus]

Babyboomers are delighted to see Bud Anderson (of Father Knows Best), Aunt Bee (of Andy Griffith), and Dr. Zorba (of Ben Casey) in this film.

[@lawrencewestby9229]

Patricia Neal went on to have an award winning, including an Oscar in 1964, career in films, TV, and the stage. A lot of people, though, only remember her for saying, "Klaatu barada nikto."

[@AlanCanon2222]

We're sure proud of her here in Kentucky!

[@RLucas3000]

I think she’s most remembered for being in the first Waltons movie, the Homecoming.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

Director Robert Wise also directed "West Side Story" (the good one), "The Sound of Music", "The Haunting", "The Andromeda Strain", and "Star Trek: The Motion Picture."

[@ezozel]

I never realised he directed The Haunting (so much better than the remake) and The Andromeda Strain. Those are great movies imo

[@johankaewberg8162]

That's an incredible streak! Applause!

[@ericmkendall1]

I read a piece many years ago that said that the plot of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” was loosely based on the Biblical story of Jesus: a man comes to Earth from the Heavens with a message of salvation, is persecuted and pursued by the authorities, betrayed by a Judas, is killed, resurrected, delivers a little “Sermon on the Mount” at the end of the film, and ascends back to the Heavens. Also note the earthly alias that Klaatu adopts: Mr. Carpenter.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Definitely can see the parallels!

[@AlanCanon2222]

@@CasualNerdReactions Yes, those parallels are real, per the screenwriter and the producer. The line "reserved to the almighty spirit" may possibly even have been added to blunt the hard edge of that theology just a little bit, to comfort the studio ("We're not saying that Klaatu is actually God"). At any rate, the Christian symbolism has long formed part of the discussion of the movie.

[@mousetreehouse6833]

@eric, Yes, and I understand the filmmakers had to remove some scenes because the religious overtones were too obvious.

[@melvynbuckton6881]

Christianity only

[@milescoburn1845]

Great reaction! I am so happy to see you reacting to so many older movies! Most reactors don't even pay attention to old movies such as this one. I was watching one reactor the other day and the person said prior to creating the KZbin channel they had never even watched a movie earlier than the 90s. It's refreshing to see someone delving into the history of movies. In Klaatu's final speech, he wasn't advocating for robots like Gort to police our internal affairs. They just didn't want us to take our petty arguments into outer space with us. The first time I heard Klaatu talking about, "...reduce this planet to a burned-out cinder.." I got chills. Just the use of those words was so descriptive. Conjuring up the image of a smoking husk was so much impactful than saying "We'll destroy the planet".

[@jomac2046]

Great 50's SciFi, The Day the Earth Stood Still, It Came from Outer Space, Forbidden Planet, When Worlds Collide and Them!, my personal favour, one reason being it contained the great line "Make me a sergeant in charge of the booze!"

[@Otokichi786]

"Them!" (1954) is a strong argument that the latest technical geegaws won't make a movie better. I recall reading that this first "Giant Insect" movie was supposed to be in Color and 3D to boot! (Purple Ants!?) The murder mystery/SF made this "creature feature" chilling back than (and possibly now) among naive viewers.

[@robertarodecker2558]

Its make me a sergant and gimmie the booze

[@jomac2046]

@@robertarodecker2558 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4GldpaEo52Uh5Y

[@mousetreehouse6833]

​@@robertarodecker2558 Classic dialog - I always loved that scene!

[@43nostromo]

I'm very glad that the phenomenal and groundbreaking score has been acknowledged. Bernard Herrmann is easily one of the top 5 composers in film history. I'd put him at number 1 or number 2. Depending on my mood.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Oh he is definitely great! It’s part of why I’ve enjoyed the Hitchcock films I’ve watched. I just saw vertigo yesterday and his score right from the get had me engaged.

[@coxmosia1]

That main theme sound for Gort is made with a theronem. An instrument created in Russia. Revolutionary at the time.

[@PEGGLORE]

@@coxmosia1 Just to be clear. The instrument is a Theremin. Damn predictive text. Used to best effect on the song Electricity by Captain Beefheart.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

Michael Rennie trained as a pilot during WW2. He was training in Dothan, Alabama and told his fellow cadets he was a film actor. They didn't believe him until one of his films was shown on the base.

[@jerrykessler2478]

This classic movie helped form the foundation of modern science fiction. I remember watching it with wonder on the TV as a child... thus began my love for the genre...

[@christiandivine3807]

That final speech and music kills me everytime.

[@doctorj6030]

This is a great movie, I like interaction between the boy & Michael Rennie, whom I think was perfect casting as the Alien. It showed how desperate people were for peace after the horrors of WWII. Even his demonstration was peaceful. I love NYC, glad it was not leveled. One othervthing, I don't know if u noticed, but the one thing thar shocked about this movie was rhat Aunt Bea from the Andy Griffith show was in the movie and she was "smoking".

[@CasualNerdReactions]

He was incredible casting. It’s amazing how he simultaneously felt so alien and human. So well done.

[@dabe1971]

Geek fact: In Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, two of Jabba The Hutt's employees are named 'Klaatu' and 'Barada' in homage.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Ahh!! I totally remember those names now, it’s great to know the origin of them. Thanks!!

[@jazzmaan707]

Professor Barnhart was the "Einstein" in this movie, as he was still alive at this time. As many modern day Physicists have said, "Einstein was the science Rock Star during his lifetime." Excellent review, by the way.

[@brandonflorida1092]

This is an absolutely brilliant and original choice of movie. Congratulations on being the first reactor on KZbin to watch it, while most of the others are reacting to "Star Wars - A New Hope" and "Lord of the Rings" for the thousandth time.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Am I really the first? That’s kind of cool. It’ll be fun to see how this one performs. If I were to do Star Wars or lord of the rings it would be my thousandth time watching so… 🤣 not even an option haha

[@brandonflorida1092]

@@CasualNerdReactions I believe one or two people have reacted to the remake, but not this version. Most of the best old movies have never been reacted to on KZbin.

[@unstrung65]

@@brandonflorida1092 Absolutely true , there were many, many 'Classic' movies from each decade ! ( Many more than today's movies )

[@Saalome84Blue]

@@CasualNerdReactions ...no, you were the second person, channel Perry Comics was reacting to this movie before. But i think your reaction was better...

[@milescoburn1845]

@@brandonflorida1092 Most of the reactors and their followers are younger, therefore aren't interested in older, classic films.

[@margaretsmith756]

What I also loved about this film, especially for the time period in which it was made, is that his reference to what some call "God", he referenced as "Spirit", which means it wasn't selling one brand of religion or spirituality over any other. That was very bold for an American movie made in the 50s. This movie was also rare for the era because it was an intelligent science fiction movie. There wasn't a lot of those at the time. The original "War of the Worlds" was pretty good in that arena, although it got a little heavy-handed in the Judeo-Christian theology for my taste, still, it was a very good movie -- much better than the remakes in my opinion. Another amazing movie from around that time that really left an impression on me was "The Incredible Shrinking Man" made, I believe, one year before this one. Don't let the silly-sounding name fool you; the ending really made a bold and interesting statement -- or really, question, about life, the universe, and everything -- so to speak. Would love to see you give that one a watch. Thank you for reacting to this movie; I enjoyed your feedback on it. :)

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Ooh I haven’t even considered that one yet, thanks for the suggestion and your comment! :)

[@AI_Image_Master]

Not actually. Remember it's 1951. The film censors from the MPAA at the studio made them add it in to show that Gort did not have complete power of life and death. There are many parallels to Christ in the movie that the writer thought where hidden. Klatu being brought back from the dead and then rising to the sky. He takes the name John Carpenter, JC. Jesus of course the Carpenter. His message is misunderstood and is killed for it and is rises from the dead. Also in the beginning the man yelling out Holy Christmas when the ship is first seen.

[@TheZodiacz]

This movie was 1951, Incredible Shrinking Man was 1957. Another good but almost forgotten 50s film similar in theme to The Day The Earth Stood Still was The 27th Day (1957).

[@leperwolf7287]

Alien: "We come in peace and good will!" Americans: "We don't take kindly to that sort of thing around here."

[@chrisboot2468]

In the original short-story, it is revealed that Klaatu is just a servant of Gort, member of the supreme robot race.

[@strivingtobalance]

I love you are doing these classics. Thanks again.

[@laurab68707]

I love this movie. I saw this when I was a kid and it scared me so much. Gort was scary as heck! Loved your reaction. You were so funny. I was like you, "omg, I'll never be able to remember that message for Gort". LOL.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I gotta keep it honest, my memory sucks! Gory would have definitely scared me when I was a kid, or hadn’t seen any of the scary movies on my channel 🤣

[@AbsoluteApril]

love the call back to that in Army of Darkness

[@drob281159]

I love the Sam Raimi wink with Bruce Campbell fumbling "Klaatu, Barata, (coughs)"

[@jasontoddman7265]

In case you didn't know, Professor Barnhardt is an analog of Albert Einstein. Not sure why they didn't cast the actual Einstein, but the resemblance is no coincidence.

[@traceyb9443]

So glad you got to this one! Absolute classic! 😁

[@emailatomic]

What's great is you watched a movie for 90 minutes and now you are going to remember those words for the rest of your life.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I’m not so sure I’ll remember 🤣 if I do it will be because of the comments here.

[@emailatomic]

@@CasualNerdReactions You will get reminders throughout your life. You have already heard some without knowing. Its referenced in Return of the Jedi. Its in Close Encounters, video games, comic books, Nickleodeon cartoons, There is a funny scene in Army of Darkness where Bruce Campbell needs it to destroy the book of the dead but can't quite remember it correctly. One day one of your friends will say it. The world will not let you forget.

[@shevawn4927]

Earth vs The Flying Saucers is another good 1950's classic. It's one of my favorites.

[@jimbrown868]

Hey Chris...another fun reaction. I remember seeing this movie when I was in third grade. Scared the crap out of me. I thought of another Stephen King adaptation you might want to check out. "Stand By Me." It's about four young boys in the 50's who go looking for a dead body. Richard Dreyfus is the narrator...and one of the main characters "all grown up." Nice job here, new friend.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Ooh stand by me sounds interesting. Well, I plan to keep making reactions for a long time so hopefully I can make my way through a lot more Stephen king. Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@nasalpolecat091]

This is what the world needs. A reality check.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Can’t argue with this.

[@kurtb8474]

I was told that , in the original short story, Gort the robot was in charge of the mission and Klaatu was the subordinate.

[@joshuarosen465]

You left out the best line from the movie. The two doctors at Walter Reed were having a conversation. One asks the other how old he thinks the alien is. The other doctor says, 30-35, the other says that Klatuu told him he's 70. How's that possible? The other doctor hands a cigarette to the first doctor and says apparently medicine is much more advanced on his planet.

[@o0Wardreamer0o]

I love old sci-fi movies from the 50s and 60s. I hope you decide to check out more , like 'Them' or 'The Thing From another World', which is the original adaptation of 'The Thing'. The line in this movie about "only the Almighty Spirit having the power of life and death" was thrown in there because the studio was worried that some religious people might object to the idea of Klatuu being resurrected by scientific means. And speaking of lines from the movie, have you watched Evil Dead and Army Of Darkness? There's a phrase in AoD that you might recognize...

[@CasualNerdReactions]

At some point I hope to check out all of those! I haven’t seen any of them from “them” right on through evil dead and AOD

[@milescoburn1845]

No, it's the original adaptation of the novella, "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell. John Carpenter's, "The Thing" isn't a remake, it's a different adaptation of the novella.

[@o0Wardreamer0o]

@@milescoburn1845 That's what I meant. It was the first movie adaptation of the short story.

[@lurkerrekrul]

Apparently, the line about the "Almighty spirit" was added because the studio was uncomfortable with aliens being shown to have the power to revive the dead. The filmmakers hated it, and only added it under protest.

[@edwardpate6128]

One of the greatest films ever, not just of the SciFi genre. Although for that era it did have some amazing special effects those were used to enhance the story and not be the focal point. What is sad is humanity seems to have not progressed at all in the last 70 years since this film came out.

[@keverzoid]

For the time, the effects are so good. When the ship lands at the beginning, it actually casts a shadow. Brilliant

[@alfredroberthogan5426]

My permanent all-time favorite films top 4 list is 1. "Mary Poppins" (1964) 2. "Casablanca" (1942) 3. "The Day the Earth Stood Still " (1951) and 4. "True Grit" (1969.

[@edwardpate6128]

@@alfredroberthogan5426 2010 True Grit better!

[@heathergibson2108]

Haven't watched the reaction yet .. I remember seeing this many moons ago as a child (I'm old) it had me gripped and scared the s*** out of me . Never forgot it. Haven't seen it for many years ..

[@terryv2006]

Couldn’t wait to watch this one with you Chris. Groundbreaking effects, acting, and smoking in a hospital examining room!

[@AlanCanon2222]

Yeah, the smoking thing (while they lament how much poorer their medicine is than Klaatu's) seems like an intentional sly joke. Klaatu is advanced enough not to be a smoker. Makes me want to find the screenplay and see if the smoking was put in there by the writer, or by Wise himself in staging it.

[@barrygraham205]

@@AlanCanon2222 I’m 70 years of age, and you can be sure that the smoking sequence was unintentional. Doctors would actually prescribe cigarettes back in that time for people who were having problems with stress. It was a totally different world!

[@AlanCanon2222]

@@barrygraham205 I'm 55 and my dad was the lead chemist for Brown and Williamson Tobacco. I know.

[@barrygraham205]

@@AlanCanon2222 Yeah, I guess my point was that since the health dangers regarding tobacco were not widely known at that time, I doubt the screenwriters or Robert Wise would have inserted that as social commentary.

[@GrouchyMarx]

Hey Chris. Awesome movie selection! There are several newsmen here playing themselves to make it more believable to people back in 1951, such as H.V. Kaltenborn here 1:16, Drew Person @ 2:09 and Gabriel Heatter on the radio 7:43. Did that hit you like it does a lot of us these days at a few moments before this scene 5:28 when the two doctors were going on about how young Klaatu looked for 78, all while lighting up cigarettes! LOL! @ 6:48 I know, I know, but hey man, it was the 50s. (We said the same thing in the 60s & 70s watching it. LOL!!) I mean to send a mere lieutenant to greet the alien at 2:52, and yet the full colonel doesn't show up until AFTER Klaatu is shot right about here at 3:40! LOL!! (They should have found a brave general to greet him.) BTW, "Bobby" there at 8:47 is Patricia Neal's real son Billy Gray, and there are interviews of him talking about making this movie with his mom. And for the times Prof Barnard was seen as Albert Einstein, someone everybody knew about in 1951. @ 22:48 Gort upon hearing the message understood her as an ally of Klaatu and took her to the safest place possible. Earth Stood Still was addressing the paranoid times in the early 50s too. This movie also had a big impact on science fiction movies and I think really energized the making of many more classic scifis thru the 50s, most in color all the way up to now. Another cool thing about this movie is the score by Bernard Herrmann who did many movies including several of Alfred Hitchcock's, on two you did. I was looking thru your video page to gauge the response of 'Earth Stood Still' and it looks like an impressive one with nearly 3000 views in about 24 hours+. Enjoyed your video a lot, and don't forget the Earth saving line "Klaatu barada nikto!" LOL! 😎👍

[@CasualNerdReactions]

A lot of great background info! Thanks for your comment. I hope to eventually check out more of the sci-fi films in this timer period to enjoy how they progress. I also enjoyed Herrmann’s score on vertigo when I watched it this week. Really drew me in. Oh and yes, I am surprised it is performing so well considering I only saw one other reaction to it and he had more subs than I and less than views on his video, but I’m grateful it’s doing well!

[@GrouchyMarx]

@@CasualNerdReactions You're very welcome! There is a more recent scifi that you're ready for since you've done Close Encounters and Earth Stood Still, and I hope you haven't seen it yet: "Independence Day" (1996), because it'll be fun to see your reaction to it and it's relation to those two movies. I read below you weren't going to do scifis all at once and will space them out between others for variety, which is a good idea. Here are a few of the 50s best to keep on your list for the future and most in color, "When Worlds Collide" (1951), "War of the Worlds" (1953) based on H.G. Wells novel, "This Island Earth" (1955), "Journey To The Center of the Earth" (1959), and a good ole B&W one "Earth vs. The Flying Saucers" (1956). There's another quaint colorized scifi of interest mainly because it's about a 1950 concept of the first trip to the moon "Destination Moon" (1950) which I think help to inspired many post WWII and later people to actually do it 19 years later. Or at least to show it's possible. There's an amusing part were they actually had to demonstrate to 1950s people how rocketships work! And how they can escape Earth's gravity! All these old movies would lead to the awesome, modern scifis of today like "Interstellar" or "Minority Report". I'll be looking out for more of your vids, so take care. In fact, I just saw your "Se7en" popped up so I'll check it out! 😉👍

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Fun suggestions! Unfortunately I am very familiar with Independence Day, interstellar and even minority report.

[@TheDetailsMatter]

I love the main title theme. Electronic melody line, with a counterpoint line played on tuba. You don't hear a lot of tuba music in general.

[@raymacdonaldcreations505]

One of my favorite movies of all time! Great to see someone doing a movie reaction to an older classic ..hope you do more! Thanks!

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I definitely will, just not all at once. I enjoy variety on the channel, keeps me more engaged. :)

[@bobbrown200]

Love your conclusion. Disagree yes, respect each other while disagreeing yes.

[@RetroRobotRadio]

Interesting thing is that this is based on a book that goes a completely different direction. In the book He's killed when steps out of the spaceship. They built a museum around the ship and the robot because they cannot be moved.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Wow, that is definitely different! I should check it out one day and see where it goes.

[@tamiramos5873]

The place where the ship was siting for the duration of the movie was at Fort Meade, MD on their parade field. I thought that was cool because my husband and I were stationed there when I found out.

[@quentinmichel7581]

Another great one from the early-mid 50's is THIS ISLAND EARTH.

[@quentinmichel7581]

And as an aside, the boy was played by Billy Gray. A great child actor and played "Bud" Anderson in 200 episodes of the great classic 1954-60 TV series 'Father Knows Best'.

[@user-pe9gz8si8k]

You have to understand the time frame this movie is set in. Just after WW2 and just before Korea. Fear of “Aliens” was everywhere.

[@alfredroberthogan5426]

The Korean War/War ON Korea by the USA had been ongoing for close to 15 months when this film was originally released in mid-September 1951. Noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright helped design the spaceship.

[@barrygraham205]

@@alfredroberthogan5426 The ship was conceived by art directors Lyle Wheeler and Addison Hehr and created by L.B. Abbott, Ray Kellogg and Emil Kosa. There is actually no hard evidence that Frank Lloyd Wright was involved in the design of the spaceship. It is an interesting speculation…

[@jerry6549]

The multiple radio and TV newsmen in the movie were real popular newsmen of that time. A little added reality. I get a kick out of watching reactions from today's generation about movies (and music) that I grew up on some 50, 60, or 70 years ago. I would note that Star Wars is now 46 years old and is just as popular today as it was the day it was released. A good story can outlive special effects. The limitations of the time give it an almost campy feeling.

[@bobriemersma]

You need to consider the events in Animal Farm. A small group seizes power "for the good," makes fantastic promises, and then keeps asking more and more sacrifices of others "for the good" while aggrandizing themselves.

[@andrewmatthews1083]

One of the most famous lines in cinema - Klaatu Barada Nikto

[@jimirayo]

Indeed

[@joemummerth8340]

a true classic , been a favorite since I was a pup ! first time I saw it was in 1965 , and its been a favorite ever since ! a film with an actual message , one that was and still is ignored !

[@BigGator5]

Every sci-fi nerd needs to learn these words: Klaatu Barada Nikto Great movie. Very hand-fisted (which I normally don't like), but it was delivered by a third-party messenger and so it was easier to digest. That's why I love that 2007 Cavemen series so much. It tackled racism by pitting Humans vs Cro-Magnons, in a humorous and relatable way. Fun Fact: Patricia Neal has admitted in interviews that she was completely unaware during the filming that the film would turn out so well and it would become one of the great science-fiction classics of all time. She assumed it would be just another one of the then-current and rather trashy flying saucer films, and she found it difficult to keep a straight face while saying her lines.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I agree that is was somewhat forceful with it’s message, but it somehow worked! Probably for the exact reason you said. I love that sometimes you just don’t know what you’re involved with until it’s unveiled and now history.

[@Otokichi786]

The most interesting "UFO movie" of the time when UFOs were seen flying over Washington D.C. The Theremin-based soundtrack was a first, along with the appearance of Michael Rennie as "Klaatu." (Whatsizname had none of the presence/intelligence of Michael Rennie.;)

[@Lethgar_Smith]

Spencer Tracey campaigned hard to get the part of Klatu. Fortunately the writer convinced the director that the part of the alien had to be played by an unknown actor or else it just wouldn't work. You cant have a big name movie star step out of that space ship. People wont see an alien, they'll see an actor playing an alien. Keanu Reeves. SMH

[@AlanCanon2222]

@@geraldmcboingboing7401 Two theremins, I think! And two grand pianos. Great orchestration from Mr Herrmann. Happily, although the movie was released with a monoaural sountrack (typical for the day), the scoring sessions were recorded in stereo, and the original stereo mix survives and has been released on CD.

[@cajunsushi]

Forbidden Planet is a must see for this era of cerebral sci-fi. In color and an All-Star cast with first ever sound effects.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Definitely will get to this one this year!

[@ENDTIMEsVideoLibrary]

Your closing Monologue calls for an appropriate change of Channel Name.. I respectfully prese Casual Nerd Clatu Reactions... This is such a Classic! Interesting al always!

[@evillemike2009]

An all-time fave for me. An updated Jesus Story, but without the magical thinking. A stranger comes to Earth with a message of peace. Performs a "miracle" or two. Befriends a "fallen woman". "Suffer the children to come unto me". Teaches the learned men in their own temple. Delivers his message to the world. Is betrayed by a friend. Killed by the unreasoning authorities. Resurrected. Leaves, promising to return. Hell, the guy's assumed name was Carpenter.

[@paulaswanson13]

Those reporters add an air of authenticity because they were real reporters of the day.

[@henrikharbin5521]

Hi Chris :( Yes, this is a real classic. I love how Gort destroys the weapons but lets the soldiers live. A real pack rustic way to fight threats.

[@ivane5110]

Another very fun reaction. The music from this and sounds from War of the World's still gives me goosebumps all these years later. And as much as I like the color of WoW, Black & Whites gives so much more atmosphere. You can actual feel the mix of awe and fear that it would be like. And the special FX in both is amazing; makes me believe it more than the modern CGI (though I'm sure that's a generational thing). Here's to hoping you someday do (or have done original The Thing, This Island Earth and (if I'm recalling correctly) When World's Collide.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Haven’t done those, but there’s always the possibility.

[@jnagarya519]

The lead actress, Patricia Neal, is also in the terrific "A Face in the Crowd".

[@mousetreehouse6833]

People may have a hard time watching The Andy Griffith Show after seeing A Face in the Crowd 😅 😉

[@jnagarya519]

@@mousetreehouse6833 True. But Griffith had to be drunk to play that role, and hated himself for what that character made him be. But it's certainly superior to "Network" -- but "Network" is in COLOR!

[@tomyoung9049]

Movies of this time loved to put morals in the storyline, sometimes subtle others right in your face. Another from this era you might enjoy is Forbidden Planet. The holding humanity accountable idea is still valid and relevant all these decades later. As we slowly stretch our way from this planet. I both anticipate and dread the day we actually find another planet we can inhabit because the nature of humans has shown that almost instantly we will begin to exploit and outright destroy this new world, and woe be to any creature that is there 'in our way' before we "civilize" it.

[@AlanCanon2222]

Nail. Head.

[@Keedeeg]

Yes, leave your child to spend the day with a perfect stranger while there's an alien on the loose. I do love this movie though. I watch it all the time!

[@nasalpolecat091]

Michael Renni is ALWAYS magnificent in every part he plays.

[@hurricane1951]

I still think that Gort is the scariest robot of all time. And when his visor opens and you just see that waveform of light, it's so frightening.

[@Jacqarts]

This movie is so AMAZINGLY awesome!!! I like the story and the science fiction they make this

[@bryanCJC2105]

Considered one of the top Sci-Fi movie of all time! In 1951, the Cold War against the Soviet Union was beginning to escalate. Just two years before this movie, the Soviet Union obtained "the bomb" and the US was no longer the sole owner of nuclear weapons. It had only been 6 years since the nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, so the idea of global nuclear war was very real. The movie is literally filled with Christian symbolism because the idea that an alien would be outside the authority of God was totally unacceptable at the time. After all, the Communists were atheists and thus the aliens could not seem to validate Commie atheism! The naivete of the movie is sweet. The idea that you could walk up to an important scientists house, that a stranger can come into a boarding home and immediately babysit a kid, that a kid can get within spitting distance of a UFO guarded by the military. It's totally unreal but adds a very innocent quality to the movie.

[@ballsyrocker]

Aunt Bea from Andy Griffith Show at the table. lol. Professor played Dr .Ben Jaffe on the Dr. Ben Casey show in the 1960s.

[@KevDaly]

If you consider when it was made and what other flying saucer movies were like in the '50s, it's remarkable.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

100% I just realized today that this was only 17 years before 2001. It’s remarkable how far cinema progressed in such a short time and this film certainly played its role.

[@cbatbh5402]

I like how it's such a subtle twist, with Klaatu talking about this utopia across the stars free from war and hate for the whole film, making humanity look and sound so bad by comparison, only to reveal their peace is possible under threat of destruction by a machine race policing them. So are they really better, because we never see what they consider a threat on their own worlds.

[@user-ub6hd3nd4l]

I still have this on my DVR....Classic movie...Watch the making of this...Great effects for 1951 ...72 years ago.

[@jeffreyfuka2594]

Still the greatest alien Sci fi movie ever made . Even over modern films.

[@leslauner5062]

My Uncle took me to see a re-release of this in the theaters as a double feature with "Forbidden Planet"(1956) when I was about 7. I was forever hooked on Science Fiction that night. If you haven't seen it, I would highly recommend you see "Forbidden Planet" too. You'll see an amazing science fiction adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest," The debut of Robby the Robot and Leslie Nielsen in a serious role instead of comedy. It's a great film, my friend. Peace.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

You had a good uncle for sure! Forbidden planet will have to be one I check out after all the wonderful people suggestion it, thanks!

[@dennydowling2169]

@@CasualNerdReactions "Forbidden Planet" has a totally electronic soundtrack. It was lauded at the time but was not deemed eligible for an Academy Award for Best Musical Score because there were no traditional musical instruments used in its production.

[@kosh6612]

wow, I just rewatched this 2 days ago! Quintessential vintage sci-fi! The message in this also makes it more than just a typical alien movie. Another few essentials... This Island Earth, Earth vs. The Flying Saucers and of course Forbidden Planet with Leslie Nielsen and Robbie The Robot

[@andrewmiller4885]

I have always loved this movie , no multi million dollar budgets, no dazzling special effects. The robot in this film has also been criticised for looking rather corny with a poor looking costume, on and on it goes . Yes all that is true , and yet this is one of the best sci fi movies ever made . Movies of this era depended totally of darn good dialogue , mood , suspense and implication . This period in Hollywood had great writers, directors, and stars. Michael Renny was brilliant in the role of the visiting alien and Patricia Neal was equally as effective as the young mother who had to go to the robot with those words, that none of us ever forgot " Klatu Barada Nikto ". Thank you so much for your commentary and may I also say this video was very well put together, your selection of scenes for commentary were well chosen . Not all movie reaction commentators put them together as well as you have here . Allow me to conclude by saying that movies of the past , not all but many, were in fact also message movies. There was a lesson to be had in them . There are many producers and directors in Hollywood today that don't think movies are for messages or lessons, they don't like them, they don't want them and they don't make them ......... PITY. No wonder so many of us go back time and time again to these wonderful golden oldies . Thanks once again , I thoroughly enjoyed this . I have just subscribed .

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Thank you for such a kind and thoughtful comment. Thanks for watching!

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

Haven't seen this in years. Still one of the smartest Sci-Fi films of all time. Made in1951 and we could still learn from it.

[@jerryw3max53]

The era that it came from was the Cold War era. That explains a lot. Also, the radio and TV reporters were actual well-known media personalities of the day. That plus using DC as the locale really enhances 'realitiy'.

[@domino427family]

ahhh, if only this would happen now... Love old movies

[@cathyvickers9063]

There were 2 Gort costumes, depending on whether he's filmed from front or back. I'd seen this film innumerably on TV, & never once wondered where the zipper was!

[@davidfox5383]

Happy New Year Chris, and another great choice of films to react to. It really is the sign of a great movie that after watching it it can spur such a passionate and heartfelt response as yours. I'm continuing to absolutely love your channel. Oh, and while we're at it how about that great Bernard Herrmann score?

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Happy new year! Thanks so much. Bernard Hermann definitely elevates every film he scores. The moment I started vertigo, the music really brought me in.

[@davidfox5383]

@@CasualNerdReactions I am REALLY looking forward to your response to Vertigo!

[@scottski51]

An alien from another planet, another galaxy, from deep in time... with a nice British accent!! Hey, I saw this by at least the Second time around. Love it and the other 50s sci fi movies forever !!!!

[@keverzoid]

I love this movie. I’m always taken aback how the woman lets the stranger who showed up the night before to babysit her kid. People were way more trusting back then

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Definitely true.

[@rognroll2786]

I think “Klaatu Barata Nikto” is the magic word used by Ash to open the Necronomicon in Army of Darkness…

[@ClaireWW]

Fun fact, in the original short story that inspired this movie, the final lines are disabusing humans of the assumption that the aliens made the robots: The "robots" made them.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

That is absolutely intriguing. I’m not sure how that makes me feel, but it is fascinating.

[@hhoi8225]

It's super short and worth reading!

[@raymacdonaldcreations505]

I love your closing comments regarding human beings trying to get along peacefully. I agree with you 100%...

[@mrzone1111]

TY CNR!!! I am a huge Sci fi fan who loves The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Star Trek etc... I have never seen this movie sadly, over the years its been talked and bandied about in Magazines, TV shows, on the radio etc... yet I do not think I ever saw it aired on TV. I have seen Gort and the Space Ship in clips, yet no one ever really talked about this movie, the content or moral. I think it is an important film for sci fi fans and non to see, it has the best message, which imho is Keep the Peace, I think this movie has inspired alot of Sci Fi programs after it..... Spoilers : In the TZ episode To Serve Man, it has a similar theme, and a similar flow, UN members try to figure out whats going on, yet the ending is grim sadly. I see the influence on this episode, yet its taken a different route . In general Sci Fi TV in the 50s and 60s seemed to share the peaceful co existence theme. I appreciate your commentary CNR, nice narration, nice Feedback, at times your screen gets blurry, yet overall GREAT film editing and voice over. This film definitely has a theatric style, love the feel and look of the 50s, the hair styles, the classy suits, the lighting on fleek lol. The lead female reminds me of a film noir style actresses back then try to capture, with her smoky jaunty voice, and mostly cool confident way. The Special effects were amazing for the time and still impressive , love the alien and robot. and the ship. I love how it showed minorities in a non negative way, this movie was ahead of its time imho. What am I missing, why don't people discuss this film's ethics, moral and values? Keep the PEACE :D Sorry to ramble, lol, from what I see here, I must watch the full film, it looks amazing ( Did you see the reference of TDTESS in the movie Army of Darkness???? ) CNR TY again, I Liked and subbed, Eternal Peace.

[@Webwyrm]

Dude!!! This and Forbiden Planet are must for 50s Sci Fi. Another great reaction!

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Thanks! I didn’t realize forbidden planet was so much a great film, but enough have commented now that I know it is a must watch.

[@charlieeckert4321]

When Lock Martin (who played Gort) died he needed two graves to hold his body. He was 7 feet, 7 inches tall.

[@jrasicmark1]

Hey look! At 28:11 Aunt Bee is visiting from Mayberry, right in the middle, in the back! 😄

[@touriewright5428]

Fun Fact: Michael Rennie ( Klatoo) was in an episode of the tv series Perry Mason: Season 6, Episode 17 where they do make a reference to the movie. Also Klatoo Verada Nicto was used in so many sci-fi - horror and probrably other media one that comes to mind is The Evil Dead ( #3 in the series ) Great pick and reaction. :)

[@Drdreez02]

Knowing that this movie came out 71 years ago and already giving that message and 70 years later we are still doing the same stuff, says enough about our species and our "civilized" society Another great movie I would recommend would be 'Forbidden Planet' and as usual a great reaction video, I enjoy watching them every time ^^

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Big statement for sure. Definitely hope to check out forbidden planet! Thanks for watching.

[@celinhabr1]

Used to watch this one a lot when i was a kid in the 90s, it was a lot on late night TV and i always slept very late.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

You had a different childhood than me! Lol I wonder how I would have responded to this movie as a kid.

[@alanfoster6589]

Note for you: Bernard Herrman, who did the score for "The Day..." also did the score for Citizen Kane. One of the greatest Hollywood composers.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I’ve really enjoyed his work in this, as well as the Hitchcock films I’ve seen him do 👏

[@johnmaynardable]

Great movie. In the 70's there was a band that called themselves Klaatu (as in Klaatu Barada Niktu) that released an album. There were all these rumors that this was actually The Beatles recording under a different name. This rumor ran for quite a while. Turned out that they weren't the Beatles, but they did have one hit at least. The song was called Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft and oddly enough it got covered by The Carpenters. Also if you watch the classic Gunga Din you will get to see a much younger Sam Jaffe in the title role. Sam Jaffe is the scientist in this film.

[@gortt2945]

One of my all time favorite movies , loved it so much that Gortt has been my online alias for as long as there has been an " online".

[@CasualNerdReactions]

👏 I love that!

[@rblibit]

One of the best, if not the very best sci-fi movie of the 1950s!

[@thunderstruck5484]

Also the original War Of the Worlds is my favorite old time sci-fi movie and the Tom Cruise remake is excellent also, thanks

[@michaelvincent8208]

Easily in my top ten. Part of my growing up mindset. Impressionable.