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Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe, Sam Jaffe, Billy Gray ... see more see more... , Frances Bavier , Lock Martin , Drew Pearson , H.V. Kaltenborn , Marshall Bradford , John Burton , Wheaton Chambers , James Craven , Marjorie Crossland , Edith Evanson , Bobby Gray , Harry Harvey , Gil Herman , Harry Lauter , Freeman Lusk , George Lynn , Tyler McVey , Dorothy Neumann , Robert Osterloh , House Peters Jr. , Fay Roope , James Seay , Olan Soule , Stuart Whitman , Rush Williams , Carleton Young , John Brown , Frank Conroy

All of Washington, D.C., is thrown into a panic when an extraterrestrial spacecraft lands near the White House. Out steps Klaatu (Michael Rennie, in a role intended for Claude Rains), a handsome and s... read more read more...oft-spoken interplanetary traveler, whose "bodyguard" is Gort (Lock Martin), a huge robot who spews forth laser-like death rays when danger threatens. After being wounded by an overzealous soldier, Klaatu announces that he has a message of the gravest importance for all humankind, which he will deliver only when all the leaders of all nations will agree to meet with him. World politics being what they are in 1951, Klaatu's demands are turned down and he is ordered to remain in the hospital, where his wounds are being tended. Klaatu escapes, taking refuge in a boarding house, where he poses as one "Mr. Carpenter" (one of the film's many parallels between Klaatu and Christ). There the benign alien gains the confidence of a lovely widow (Patricia Neal) and her son, Bobby (Billy Gray), neither of whom tumble to his other-worldly origins, and seeks out the gentleman whom Bobby regards as "the smartest man in the world" -- an Einstein-like scientist, Dr. Barnhardt (Sam Jaffe). The next day, at precisely 12 o'clock, Klaatu arranges for the world to "stand still" -- he shuts down all electrical power in the world, with the exception of essentials like hospitals and planes in flight. Directed by Robert Wise, who edited Citizen Kane (1941) and The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) for director Orson Welles before going on to direct such major 1960s musicals as West Side Story (1961) and The Sound of Music (1965), The Day the Earth Stood Still was based on the story Farewell to the Master by Harry Bates. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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86% liked it

31,456 ratings

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94% liked it

52 critics

G, 1 hr. 32 min.

Directed by: Robert Wise

Release Date: January 1, 1951

Keywords: sci-fi

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DVD Release Date: March 4, 2003

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Stats: 2,613 reviews

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Gort, Klaatu and Helen Bobby and Klaatu at the Lincoln Memorial Hugh Marlowe and Patricia Neal 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' Gort and Klaatu Klaatu and Prof. Barnhardt Klaatu Gort Klaatu Gort and Klaatu Gort Klaatu Klaatu Gort The Day the Earth Stood Still The Day the Earth Stood Still The Day the Earth Stood Still The Day the Earth Stood Still
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Flixster Reviews (2,613)

  • fb100002384654145
    December 16, 2011
    fb100002384654145
    A surprisingly mature 50's sci-fi movie. Manages to get across its social messages without coming across as preachy. The cast does a great job with the material given to them, Michael Rennie is fabulous as Klaatu. The visuals are very good for the time and the film also contai... read morens some really gripping suspense scenes. A very touching sci-fi tale that still holds up to this day.
  • danperry17
    November 27, 2011
    danperry17
    Gripping and suspenseful right from the start, this is a genre classic, a tale of a strange happening that keeps you in the dark most of the way. Why is this spaceman here? And what if the world doesn't hear him out? Intriguing and efficient in its storytelling. I'm not sure if i... read moret was a "B" movie in its day (probably), but much of what it was doing 60 years ago has since gone mainstream, meaning that this film's still easy to watch (or, cough, remake) nowadays. Essential viewing whether you're a sci-fi fan or not.
  • spielberg00
    September 24, 2011
    spielberg00
    THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, though fast-paced and corny, is a nice, even sci-fi drama in the '50s that has been referenced and considered a classic umpteen-plus times.
  • FrizzDrop
    June 27, 2011
    FrizzDrop
    A story about peace and preservation, Day is more than a tale of alien insurgence and sci-fi effects. At the time the United States was deep in the Cold War, much of the entertainment industry was being weeded for Communist sympathizers or spies, and tensions were mounting in the... read more space race. This bold film not only explores the diverse nature of conflict and war between countries, but the Cold War itself, broaching the subject matter once the alien of Klaatu tries to arrange a meeting of the nation's world leaders to speak about Earth's fate. Instead of the option of portraying aliens as a race complicated by a desire to destroy all human life the aliens are without anger. We are introduced to the invading force as a single being, an alien named Klaatu who speaks perfect English and looks like any other red blooded American. Klaatu's planet is scientifically superior and is without wars, yet there is a threat to all human life based on our own wartime ambitions. Use of shadows and a theremin ridden score lace every scene with suspense, people becoming hysteric and suspicious of these aliens, coming to conclusions without knowing the facts, much like the Russians. There is also a robot named Gort, at first a benign sort of destructive force, there but periphery. As the story digresses it becomes clear that Gort is the end all be all to existence, and therefore becomes a threat, menacing with each of his heavy footfalls. Amazing for its time, Day was the first adult sci-fi, and it truly shows.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    May 5, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Before there was Star Trek, Stars Wars and 2001, there was The Day The Earth Stood Still. A classic of Sci Fi and maybe a film that influenced the genre as well. The film is fairly simple, but yet so grand at the same time. The film focuses on aliens invading Earth, but its unlik... read moree nothing you've seen. Instead of destroying everything and murdering Earth population, the aliens have a message for Earthlings. They must live in peace or be destroyed by the Aliens. The Alien Ambassador Klaatu after scaring the Earths inhabitants by causing a power outage reveals their intentions and Earths population immediately ceases its hostilities. The Day The Earth Stood Still is a splendid film that proves that you don't need a elaborate story to create a thrilling, interesting film. The actors deliver strong performances and I especially enjoyed Michael Rennie's performance as Klaatu. The film has it flaws, but is nonetheless a classic of the genre. The film remains a staple of Sci Fi films after all these years and it's still very much entertaining. Despite the fact that it's not perfect, you can appreciate the simplistic nature of the film and how the simple story can actually make the film a lot more interesting. The Day The Earth Stood Still is a fine Sci Fi piece of cinema and remains one of the best of the genre. Definitely a memorable film in the genre.
  • moonrivers
    April 5, 2011
    moonrivers
    We have a sad propensity as a species, err, not to listen. So ingrained is this failing that we seem particularly not to listen most when it might serve us best to do so. This is the only film I know of ever to attempt to tackle - through the means of a fantastic story - that ... read morehumiliatin' reality. Not just an entertaining diversion but one with a truth to ponder. And many still do not hear its message.
  • ajv2688
    November 1, 2010
    ajv2688
    I saw this a long time ago on TV, and I remember liking it, but I'd love to see it again.
  • ythelastman89
    June 5, 2010
    ythelastman89
    While this is not the definitive Science Fiction movie or the greatest movie ever made, the questions and topics it covers are astounding. Itâ??s got some great acting, a brilliant script and good directing. The visuals arenâ??t timeless, but they serve their purpose and get the ... read morejob done. Klaatu and Gort are characters that everyone will remember and carry such weight in what they stand for. Iâ??m sure that in the 50â??s this was incredibly surreal and frightening, the Cold War aspect is perfect and way ahead of the social feelings of the time. Itâ??s a Sci-Fi classic and unforgettable.
  • TheMachinist
    May 29, 2010
    TheMachinist
    "Klaatu barada nikto!"

    Robert Wise is best remembered for his two Oscar winning films 'The Sound of Music' and 'West Side Story'. Both of 'em popular musicals. First of all, I gotta say that I haven't seen that many of his films but 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' is my favourit... read moree one of 'em all.

    'The Day the Earth Stood Still' is scifi at its best. At the same time a very good drama of the human society with an anti-war and anti-atom message. Wise has concentrated only on the main plot, which continues throughout the movie on an excellent pace. There are no unnecessary subplots or anything like that.

    The actors are very good in their roles especially the lead, Michael Rennie as Klaatu. His portrayal is calm and intelligent and at the same time very compassionate. His character has heart for mankind but will they listen to him?

    Another great part of the film is the score made by Bernard Herrmann, the genious behind the original scored of 'Citizen Kane', 'Vertigo', 'Psycho', 'North by Northwest', 'Cape Fear' and 'Taxi Driver'. A very melodic, unique and hypnotizing score. Sweet music for the ears!

    'The Day the Earth Stood Still' is a true classic and highly recommended to all. But a warning to you all, do not even expect the same recommendations for its unnecessary 2008 remake starring Keanu Reeves. Why cant the filmmakers leave the classics alone? But do enjoy this original!
  • FilmFanatik
    April 2, 2010
    FilmFanatik
    Dated by the looks, but the theme will always be relevant as long as human beings continue being the destructive creatures that we are.

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Critic Reviews

Michael Booth
October 5, 2007
Michael Booth, Denver Post

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 m... Full Review

Dave Kehr
June 4, 2007
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Like most of Robert Wise's work, this slickly constructed 1951 science fiction film settles squarely in the middle of its genre, better than some and worse than others. Full Review

June 4, 2007
Variety

Cast, although secondary to the story, works well. Full Review

Glenn Abel
June 14, 2003
Glenn Abel, Hollywood Reporter

Today, wistful viewers might ask: Where are Klaatu and Gort when we need them most?

Bosley Crowther
May 20, 2003
Bosley Crowther, New York Times

It is comforting, of course, to have it made plain that our planetary neighbors are much wiser and more peaceful than are we, but this makes for a tepid entertainment in what is anamolously labeled th... Full Review

Rob Humanick
October 16, 2011
Rob Humanick, Suite101.com

Yes kids, media was idiotic and hysterical long before the likes of Glenn Beck were around. Full Review

Scott G. Mignola
January 2, 2011
Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media

A sci-fi classic that still resonates. Full Review

Fernando F. Croce
December 8, 2009
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion

Robert Wise looks at the Atomic Age and wonders: 'What would Jesus do?' Full Review

Pablo Villaca
January 10, 2009
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

Embora soe ingênuo e mesmo datado para os dias de hoje, permanece interessante graças à figura enigmática e superior de Rennie e à ameaça representada pelo impassível Gort.

Peter Canavese
December 30, 2008
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews

An enduring film property with an unforgettable catch phrase ('Klaatu barada nikto')...[and] socially conscious themes. [Blu-ray] Full Review

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    • Klaatu: I am fearful when I see people substituting fear for reason.
    • Helen Benson: Gort! Klaatu barada nikto!
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The Day the Earth Stood Still Trivia

  • Which Robert Wise 1951 classic features the characters Klaatu and Gort?  Answer »
  • What film had this quote: Klaatu : Your choice is simple . Join us and live in peace or pursue your present course and face obliteration. We shall be waiting for your answer .The decision rests with you "?  Answer »
  • The three words that Ash must say to retrieve the Necronomicon in "Army of Darkness" were originally featured in what movie?  Answer »
  • In "Army of Darkness", Ash (played by Bruce Campbell) must speak the phrase "Klaatu, Barata, Nikto" (or Klaatu, Verada, Nikto depending on your school of thought) to claim the book of the dead. This phrase is a homage to which 1951 Sci Fi movie?  Answer »
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