The Day the Earth Stood Still
1951 · Movie · G · 92 min · ★ 7.5 · 89% critics
After World War II, an alien visitor and a powerful robot arrive on Earth to deliver a warning about peace and the dangers of aggression. As tensions rise, the message challenges humanity to change course or face destruction.
Based on Farewell to the Master
Also known as Le jour où la Terre s'arrêta... · Farewell to the Master · Journey to the World · El día que paralizaron la Tierra
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Details
- Years
- 1951
- Release date
- 1951-09-18
- Language
- English
- Rated
- G
- Runtime
- 92 min
- Critic score
- 89/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.5/10 (1,241 votes)
- Budget
- $995,000
About
You’ll likely enjoy this 1951 classic if you want tense sci-fi with a clear anti-war warning and memorable sci-fi icons like Gort; Not for you if you prefer action-heavy spectacle like The War of the Worlds.
Pros: timeless peace message; iconic robot presence; strong performances | Cons: some ambiguity late; some preachiness; slow pacing
Themes
- spacecraft
- flying saucer
- peace
- remote control
- ufo
- social commentary
- giant robot
- black and white
- military
- physics professor
- humanity
- alien technology
Awards & recognition
- Golden Globe Award — Best Film Promoting International Understanding · 1952
Cast & crew
Michael Rennie
as Klaatu, alias Mr. Carpenter
Patricia Neal
as Helen Benson
Billy Gray
as Bobby Benson
Sam Jaffe
as Prof. Jacob Barnhardt
Hugh Marlowe
as Tom Stevens
Lock Martin
as Gort
Freeman Lusk
as General Cutler
Edith Evanson
as Mrs. Crockett, landlady
Frank Conroy
as Mr. Harley, Secretary to the President
Frances Bavier
as Mrs. Barley, boarder
Directed by Robert Wise