
A
genuine sci fi classic, The
Day the Earth Stood Still
(1951) sends a message that Earthlings still don't get -- if we can't
learn to use our technology to create rather than destroy, we are
doomed.
Michael Rennie stars as spaceman Klaatu, who lands his
flying saucer on The Ellipse, near the White House in Washington, D.C.,
with a gift for mankind from beyond. But before he can present it, a
soldier with an itchy trigger finger shoots him. Klaatu survives and
eventually goes undercover to learn about the strange, violent
creatures that inhabit this planet. Meanwhile, his faithful and
indestructible robot Gort shuts down all electronic devices on Earth
and is programmed to annihilate all human life if Klaatu dies.
Directed by Robert Wise and co-starring Patricia Neal and Sam Jaffe, as
an Einstein-like scientist, The Day the Earth Stood Still
remains a classic. And remember, if an invulnerable alien robot ever
starts destroying your home planet, try telling it, "Klaatu barada
nickto!"
Catch a ride on the
flying saucer back
to the Outer Space Art Gallery homepage
|