From Out Of Space... A Warning And An Ultimatum! A spacecraft lands in Washington D.C. and an alien emerges flanked by a menacing robot with destructive capabilities far beyond anyone's imagination. So begins the science-fiction thriller The Day The Earth Stood Still a classic ""atomic movie"" from the 50s that would go on to inspire alien-invasion films for decades to come. Rebuffed in his efforts to meet the world's leaders and warn them of the earth's impending doom the alien Klaatu (Michael Rennie) takes to the streets. Klaatu's plea for peace is embraced by a pretty young woman (Patricia Neal) and an eminent scientist (Sam Jaffe) but the rest of humanity reacts with mistrust fear and violence. With time running out Klaatu is forced to demonstrate his awesome powers in a mind-boggling display teaching all of mankind a lesson for the ages. Watch The Day The Earth Stood Still and and you will never forget these words - ""Klaatu barada nikto!""
The very epitome of a cult SF classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still is more often referenced than seen, which is a pity since it remains even now one of the most thought-provoking examples of the genre. The title is a misnomer, a mere tease to entice 1950s audiences into the cinema in the expectation of seeing another sensationalist B-movie about murderous aliens (i.e. Communists). In fact, Robert Wise's film of Edmund North's screenplay is a thoughtful Cold War allegory about a Christ-like visitor (Michael Rennie) who comes to Earth preaching a message of salvation for mankind, only to be spurned, killed then finally resurrected (significantly, Rennie's character Klaatu adopts the pseudonym "Mr Carpenter" while on the run from the authorities). Aside from its philosophical message, the film also boasts memorable imagery--notably the giant robot Gort--a much-quoted catchphrase in "Klaatu barada nikto", and one of composer Bernard Herrmann's most admired scores, featuring the theremin and other electronic instruments that must have sounded very otherworldly back in 1951. The result is a bona fide landmark in cinema SF with a central message about "weapons of mass destruction" that's still uncannily relevant today. On the DVD: The Day the Earth Stood Still has been splendidly restored for its DVD incarnation from the original 35 mm print, and the results are demonstrated in the "Restoration Comparison" feature. Also included is a fascinating 1951 newsreel showing Klaatu receiving a certificate of merit amid stories of Communist threats, the Korean war and beauty pageants ("Pomp and pulchritude on parade in Atlantic City"). Best of all is an absorbing commentary track with director Robert Wise in conversation with Nicholas Meyer (both men have Star Trek movies on their CV). --Mark Walker
The second of the terrific Stewart/Mann Westerns is characteristic of their pairings: adult themes played out against prairie vistas in which betrayal and violence can erupt at any time. Formerly a vicious Missouri raider Stewart now leads a wagon train through Indian raids and hijackings to the new boom town of Portland where he becomes embroiled in the conflict between wealthy miners and farmers.
From Out Of Space... A Warning And An Ultimatum! A spacecraft lands in Washington D.C. and an alien emerges flanked by a menacing robot with destructive capabilities far beyond anyone's imagination. So begins the science-fiction thriller The Day The Earth Stood Still a classic ""atomic movie"" from the 50s that would go on to inspire alien-invasion films for decades to come. Rebuffed in his efforts to meet the world's leaders and warn them of the earth's impending doom
From Out Of Space... A Warning And An Ultimatum! A spacecraft lands in Washington D.C. and an alien emerges flanked by a menacing robot with destructive capabilities far beyond anyone's imagination. So begins the science-fiction thriller The Day The Earth Stood Still a classic atomic movie from the 50s that would go on to inspire alien-invasion films for decades to come. Rebuffed in his efforts to meet the world's leaders and warn them of the earth's impending doom the alien Klaatu (Michael Rennie) takes to the streets. Klaatu's plea for peace is embraced by a pretty young woman (Patricia Neal) and an eminent scientist (Sam Jaffe) but the rest of humanity reacts with mistrust fear and violence. With time running out Klaatu is forced to demonstrate his awesome powers in a mind-boggling display teaching all of mankind a lesson for the ages. Watch The Day The Earth Stood Still and and you will never forget these words - Klaatu barada nikto!
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