The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)

Today I decided to watch a super old classic sci-fi movie that I've always wanted to see. The Day the Earth Stood Still; the original, not the 2008 remake. Although I have intentions on watching that one as well just to see how much it changed. This is one of those movies that you've probably heard lines from, or seen still images from a dozen times, as it's one of those movies that shaped sci-fi and popular culture from that point onwards. The real question is, will a movie from 1951 still hold up 60 years later? Hit the jump to find out!


The story is pretty simple, as it was mainly the very concept that would have held audience's attention when it first came out. Basically a UFO lands in the middle of a baseball field, an alien comes out and says "We have come to visit you in peace and goodwill." He steps forward and holds out a strange device and is immediately shot in the arm by a soldier. I guess taking a person's words at face value is right out. He explains it was a peaceful tool for studying life on other worlds, and they take him to a hospital. He explains his name is Klaatu and he has a dire message that must be given to all the peoples of the Earth at once so as not to give favor to any one nation, and also because it's a matter that involves every person on the planet. The ever so helpful US government then proceeds to bog him down in politics, so he escapes into the city to learn more about the people of Earth, and find out why they are all so fearful.

Klaatu arrives on Earth

I was really surprised at how well the movie held up over the years. I had no problem with any of the film, and thought the acting was quite good. Although, I'm not sure if I'm modifying my expectations considering the era it was made in. Nevertheless, the fact remains that I quite liked the characters and even the effects.

Speaking of the effects, sure it's obvious how they did them now, but it was still fun to see the big space ship and the 8-foot-tall robot named Gort. I liked the effect they used for Gort's eye laser and how they made it look when he shot the tanks and guns to make them melt. You really got the sense that he was unstoppable compared to the technology of Earth, especially at that time.

Gort takes action!

What I didn't expect from the movie, is how much time Klaatu spends out of the military's hands and just out amongst the people. He even rents a room and gets to know several people over several days. He even makes friends. I'd have to say due to all the time spent with not much happening, the film's ability to keep your attention is greatly thanks to the charming nature of Michael Rennie who plays Klaatu. The female lead who he gets to know by befriending her son, Patricia Neal, does an alright job herself although her performance is a little more dated due to the time the film was made and people's expectation on how women should act. Even so, she isn't always just the woman in distress and she is probably one of the smarter people in the movie.

I really liked The Day the Earth Stood Still and I'm really glad I saw it. I can see how some people might not like it, especially since it's in black and white, but I had no problems with it. Check it out if you're into sci-fi, this is one of the movies that shaped what you love today.