The Day the Earth Stood Still

1951 "From out of space... A warning and an ultimatum"
7.7| 1h32m| G| en| More Info
Released: 28 September 1951 Released
Producted By: 20th Century Fox
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Info

An alien and a robot land on Earth after World War II and tell mankind to be peaceful or face destruction.

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Director

Robert Wise

Production Companies

20th Century Fox

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The Day the Earth Stood Still Audience Reviews

Lovesusti The Worst Film Ever
LouHomey From my favorite movies..
ChicRawIdol A brilliant film that helped define a genre
Fleur Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.
mark.waltz Without a doubt in my mind, the original version of this story remains the greatest sci-fi themed movie about a visitor from another planet and the dangers that awaits the earth if we don't change our ways. 67 years later, this film still resonates in an even more dangerous time, with so many other powers threatening our survival as a planet and little, if no, lessons learned from the horrors of the past. This film wastes absolutely no time in introducing the visitor from outer space, a human being like creature from an unnamed planet who is shot and hospitilized simply for offering a gift which some paranoid army soldier believes to be a weapon. He shot first and never got to ask questions later, but for the visitor (the outstanding Michael Rennie), lots of questions are asked, and many lessons are learned, particularly by the sultry voiced widow Patricia Neal and her lovable son (Billy Gray) who takes a shine to the new boarder even though potential stepfather Hugh Marlowe is instantly suspicious of him.A genius of incomparable patience, charm and class, Rennie's visitor immediately impresses scientist Sam Jaffe over his ability to solve a difficult problem Jaffe had been working on in his efforts to use nuclear power for good. Jaffe, considered the wisest man on earth, looks on at Rennie in awe, seemingly immediately knowing what Rennie's mission is and determined to get the message spread for the good of all of the universe. Neal at first is conflicted. She likes her son having an older male companion, but something about Rennie to her (mostly thanks to Marlowe's paranoia) doesn't seem right. A visit to Rennie's spaceship (thanks to the most amazing encounter with the very dangerous robot Rennie reveals to be a police officer for universal safety) reveals everything to her, and Neal wakes up to her own blindness to the dangers earthlings pose to the future of the entire solar system. Most subtle in its depiction of Rennie's alien civilization as peace loving and unselfish in every way, it also presents a view of our earth society as violent, paranoid, self centered, and most importantly, unaware of the dangers we put on the solar system because of our obsessions with war and nuclear power. Blow yourself up if you so desire, Rennie tells his captive earth audience, but leave the rest of the universe alone, or face the consequences. This film never loses steam as it intensely drags the audience into its calm but intense world of a desire for the end of the violent nonsense, and shows the hypocrisies of our world which we obviously have let get too far out of control. I don't know if I could bear to see the remake of this film, because it pretty much says everything here and cannot be improved on. Perhaps this film 67 years later should be passed around to every new leader in our world as well as a reminder of past destructions that not only killed millions but brought the perpetrators down viciously as well.
brucehogman The script gives more emphasis to the story and the characters than the action. The robot's abilities are underplayed and yet remarks hint at great power. Direction is understated in general. I saw very effective acting skills by several in the cast. Billy Gray is most effective and understated. He provides the "glue" to move along communication. You must, absolutely, follow the speech by each person, as the spoken word is vital to understanding the plot. I compare this film very favorably against the present films that appear shallow by comparison. The director, and script author perhaps, exploit first reaction by extras and then emphasizes reactions through more extras. This adds depth to the thoughts and emotions. The plot is multidimensional, hardly shallow. They used the technology of that time effectively.
john_vance-20806 I'm not sure if this a true "classic" but it's certainly excellent.As kid in the 1960s I saw this multiple times on the syndicated "Saturday Night at the Movies". I loved it then and still enjoy it now. The special effects look very weak today and it's bit preachy but the performances, dialog and pacing are top notch. The characters and setting come across as genuine representations of the era without any maudlin melodrama or contrived romantic distractions.The benevolent desire expressed by Klattu for Earth to join in peaceful interplanetary relationship is strangely offset by the warning of "And if don't do it our way we'll smash you like a bug". I suspect a more nuanced approach would ring more comfortably in our ears today.In any case, the acting is superb and the movie well-directed. Definitely in the top echelon of film-making.
Sameir Ali The movie is very relevant in the modern era. The human race is is killing each other and put a threat to its's own existence through war and deadly weapons.An alien comes to earth to warn us. They are have no problem to the destruction we make our-self. But, the are concerned about the peace of the universe out there. If the people on earth continue like this, and the biggest threat- nuclear weapon, the Alien's will be forced to demolish the earth itself.A very well made and interesting movie. For Those who have seen the Keanu Reeves-Scott Derrickson version, this will give you a relaxation. A must watch. Highly recommended.#KiduMovie