The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Release date: 1951-12-25
Country: USA
Language: English|French|Hindi|Russian
Director: Robert Wise
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Genre: Drama, Science Fiction
Rating: 7.7/10
Length: 1h 32min

Storyline

Travelling with mind-boggling speed, a gleaming unidentified flying object zooming in from the boundless deep space, penetrates the Earth's atmosphere, landing smoothly in Cold War-Washington, D.C. Encircled by large yet feeble military forces, the peaceful intergalactic ambassador, Klaatu, emerges from the mysterious vessel accompanied by the silently dangerous robot of incomprehensible power, Gort, only to witness firsthand the earthlings' hospitality. The sophisticated humanoid declares that he comes in peace; however, he needs to assemble the world's greatest minds to hear his merciful warning and a definitive ultimatum. Is Klaatu the messenger of humanity's doom?

Plot Keywords

robot, alien contact, military, scientist, christ allegory, ultimatum, single mother, famous score, cold war, ufo, alien language, alien, boy, outer space, 13 year old, disbelieving adult, alien invasion, flying saucer, giant robot, humanity in peril

Short Review

The Day the Earth Stood Still may at first look like goofy, outdated science fiction, but its timeless warnings about violence, nuclear confrontation and the difficulties of policing the planet have made it an enduring cultural classic.