The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) Directed by Robert Wise. With Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe, Sam Jaffe and Billy Gray.
The Day the Earth Stood Still was a seminal moment in science fiction cinema. Boasting one of the best titles ever, it has since become an iconic landmark in the great pantheon of the genre. Let’s be absolutely clear, I’m talking about Robert Wise’s 1951 black and white classic, not the one starring the bloke from Bill and Ted.
The set-up is simple. A flying saucer lands in the broad daylight of Washington DC. The world goes nuts. After a while, a mysterious man called Klaatu (Michael Rennie) emerges from the alien craft, which triggers a response that sets the plot of this intelligent study of the state of humanity in motion. Released just six years after World War II, and a few years into the Cold War, the film is ultimately a rallying call for peace in the world. It is a judgement on humanity, telling us to change our ways, or else…
There is no denying the historic status of the film, or for that matter, its cultural significance. That is not to say it isn’t flawed. Although the overall message remains intact today, in many other ways it has become a product of its time. The more discerning viewer will see through some of the peculiarities of the plot (even in 1950, would a mother have ever allowed her young son to spend the day in a city with a complete stranger?) and engage with the central idea.
There are a few ‘Plan 9’ moments dotted around (you can see the wires), and the threatening robot, Gort, has lost much of his menace over the years. In truth, he looks more like a bad cosplay attempt, than the foreboding presence of intergalactic doom that he is supposed to represent. It’s a saving grace then, that Michael Rennie’s performance as the alien visitor, Klaatu, is a blend of kind, gentlemanly manners underpinned by a broodingly sinister feeling of unease. Furthermore, the script isn’t at pains to explain absolutely everything, leaving the audience plenty of imagination space to make their own decisions about where the aliens are from and what they ultimately intend.
The Day the Earth Stood Still is a classic, albeit a flawed one. Its better aspects have informed generations of science fiction, and Bernard Herrmann’s score effectively moves between describing the rumbustious chaos of humanity in confusion, to the mysterious intrigue of an alien force. “Klaatu barada nikto!” 3.5/5
Gareth Rhodes Film Reviews 
Great review, I have fond memories of watching this with my late granddad when I was a kid.
Thank you very much. That sounds amazing, that must be a cherished memory.
I owe a lot of my movie watching to my granddad, he really introduced me to some classic films.
One of my all time favourites (the remake was indeed awful), there was an intelligence to the plot which, coupled together with Michael Rennie’s other-worldly performance and Bernard Herrman’s eerie score elevates it above the average 50s SF movie.
Have you seen Forbidden Planet? That’s another one worth checking out!
Thank you for the tip, yes, I have Forbidden Planet on my to-see list. Catching up on my 50’s sci-fi of late.
I can see why this would be considered an all time favourite. It has so many elements that have informed other films. Herrmann’s score too. Wonderful. It gives us an idea of what an Alfred Hitchcock SF film would have sounded like.
Love that one stick with this one the remake sucks big time. I think I have this one in my collection. Like the man said above Forbidden Planet is a great one. I have this one in my collection. Love it. Nice review
Two recommendations for Forbidden Planet. I can’t ignore it. Besides, it’s my favourite high street shop ever.
It was good for it’s time and demonstrates that sci-fi can be simple with some imagination – not special effects laden (and driven). I am tempted by the remake though – just because I’ve seen this and wonder why it seem to end up going so badly. Good review.
Thank you Ben. I’ve heard so many terrible things about the remake that I can’t summon the will to sit through it. Curiosity might get the better of me, eventually though.
You’re right about the original. I know I didn’t give it a 5/5 rating, but I wouldn’t argue with anyone who did. It’s seminal stuff.