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SYNOPSIS...
A flying saucer lands in Washington, DC A humanoid alien and a robot
emerge.
The humanoid interacts with some locals, including an Einstein-like
scientist, as well as a suburban mother and child. The military kills
the humanoid.
With the help of his robot Gort, as well as the Earth mother, the man-like
alien is brought back to life. The alien gives an anti-nuclear speech
to the gathered Washingtonians, then exits in the saucer with his robot.
Review:
Director Robert Wise's THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL is a lean, poetic,
Sci-Fi classic.
A large silver saucer lands in Washington, DC A humanoid alien and a
larger robot emerge, preaching peace.
The humanoid has some mixed adventures amongst Washington's population.
While a family treats him well, the same can not be said for the military.
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL is based on the short story, "Farewell
to the Master", by Harry Bates. Interestingly, in Bates source
story the robot turned out to be the one in control, with the alien
humanoid in a support position.
Michael Rennie (Hotel) as the regal alien humanoid alien Klaatu, still
impresses. With his wonderful speaking voice, and soulful manner, Rennie
makes a uniquely compelling alien ambassador.
Patricia Neal (Hud) brings her own, classy spin to the required brunette
semi-love object. Under Wise's even direction, she comes across genuinely
terrified in her robot encounters.
Gort, the robot with the laser eyes, was played by Lock Martin. One
of the tallest actors in the business at the time, his extreme height
makes the robot rather scary and threatening, a boogie man for the atomic
age.
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL has many Christ allegories. Michael Rennie's
human-like alien is named "John Carpenter". He is killed and
brought back to life. I didn't pick up on this religious stuff as a
kid. It's fairly subtle, not at all heavy handed.
The verbal message that Rennie asks Patricia Neal to tell the robot,
to deactivate him, is "Gort, Klaatu barada nikto" Of course,
Sci-Fi trivia buffs know this already.
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL will be highly watchable for most Sci-Fi
viewers. Alien visitor/robot fans will dig this one. THE DAY THE EARTH
STOOD STILL is worth sitting still for!
BEST BETS: ET
and STARMAN.
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