The Day the Earth Stood Still
An alien and a robot land on Earth after World War II and tell mankind to be peaceful or face destruction.
Critics Sentiment
Klaatu delivers ultimatum to gathered scientists about robot police force
Klaatu taken to Walter Reed Hospital then escapes to boarding house
The film rises dramatically from the talky hospital sequences (6.8) to the spectacular global power demonstration (8.7), a swing of 1.9 points.
The film maintains consistently high regard from critics, opening strong with the iconic saucer landing and building to powerful climactic moments. While some middle sections suffer from pedestrian dialogue and pacing issues, the core anti-war message, memorable performances, and technical achievements for 1951 keep sentiment elevated. The famous 'Klaatu barada nikto' sequence and final warning speech represent the film's dramatic and thematic peaks.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 40
Michael Rennie
Klaatu, alias Mr. Carpenter
Patricia Neal
Helen Benson
Billy Gray
Bobby Benson
Sam Jaffe
Prof. Jacob Barnhardt
Hugh Marlowe
Tom Stevens
Lock Martin
Gort
Freeman Lusk
General Cutler
Edith Evanson
Mrs. Crockett, landlady
Frank Conroy
Mr. Harley, Secretary to the President
Frances Bavier
Mrs. Barley, boarder
John Brown
George Barley, boarder
Olan Soule
Mr. Krull, boarder
Marjorie Crossland
Hilda, Barnhart's secretary
Elmer Davis
Elmer Davis
H.V. Kaltenborn
H. V. Kaltenborn
Drew Pearson
Drew Pearson
Gabriel Heatter
Gabriel Heatter (voice)
Harry Lauter
Lieutenant in Charge of Landing Site
James Doyle
Army Dr. White
Larry Dobkin
Balding Army Doctor
Crew
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