Whatever Happened to The DAY The EARTH STOOD STILL? 

the day the earth stood still is a classic and still holds up well today

The Day the Earth Stood Still, Forbidden Planet, and This Island Earth… the trifecta of awesomeness for classic sci-fi film!

I cracked up when Jim Rockford uttered the words Klaatu Barada Nikto to a thug towering over him on the Rockford Files.😅

When I first saw this movie on tv as a young kid in the 1970's, it so unnerved me that it was a long time before I could watch and appreciate it properly many years later. A true classic!!

So many reasons to like this movie; the effects, actors, the craft, and its message-- still relevant today. Even the alien gets fed up with humanity, saying cryptically, "you can fight and ruin all you want to down here, but the minute you send your garbage into space, our security forces will return it in ashes". Can't say I'd blame them.

Quickly becoming one of my favorite channels. You take seriously these "silly" subjects and treat them, and our feelings for them, with respect. Much appreciation and thanks for your hard "work."

Gort steals the movie! This is a terrific film that. depite its dated effects, stands the tst of time. I purchased the DVD as soon as I saw it for sale years ago. One unintentionally funny sceme is where a group of Doctor's where discussing their alien patient, marveling at how old he said he was to how old he appeared. One of them remarks that Klaatu's people "could teach (them) a thing or two about medicine," while all the doctors were smoking!!!

I remember the Klaatu Barada Nikto line from Army of Darkness that Bruce Cambell couldn't get right; hilarious!

Although somewhat subtle, the story also had a parallel to the story of Jesus. Klaatu called himself Mr. Carpenter, came to help save the earth, Tom Stevens played a Judas type character, and of course Klaatu died and was resurrected.

Such an intelligent and compelling film. The less said about the underwhelming 2008 remake; the better 😔

This movie ranks a joint # 1 for me.. the other being Forbidden Planet... How about a dive in to This Island Earth?

One of my favourites. For the last 25 years I’ve had a large framed photo of Gort standing over the fallen Klaatu, with all the troopers looking on. I’ve also got an 18” Gort.

Another excellent video Dan. To me this movie has everything you could want in a Sci-Fi, and also one of the best lines between Professor Barnhardt and his house keeper Hilda. '"Tell me, Hilda, does all this frighten you? Does it make you feel insecure?" "Yes sir, it certainly does," "That's good, Hilda. I'm glad."

Movies, Music annd Monsters! STILL one of my Favs!

Your 'radio ready' voice and smooth screen presence makes your outstanding presentations have a curious 'throwback' quality that is just right. Thanks for another terrific show. Even as a kid in the 1950s I loved the soundtrack and followed Bernard Herman's career. I played a theremin last month as the lead melody for an alt=rock instrumental track. I love this movie.

Thanks for mentioning Sam Jaffee - I loved him in Lost Horizons and Gunga Din. Great character actor!

In the 60’s our local theater in the summers had discount daytime double features that my friends and I would go to. Back then no one had air conditioning in NJ so it was a double treat. The movies shown included this one, The War of the Worlds, Forbidden Planet, Mysterious Island, Jason and the Argonauts, The Thing, The Tingler, The Fly, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and few others. What a great time to be a young boy. We’d walk the half mile or so to the theater by ourselves goofing around as we did. The freedom was incredible. Little League didn’t last all year and we organized our own games of baseball when the season was over. We rode our bikes everywhere without helmets and just made sure we were home by 6 for dinner and by 6:30 or so we’d be out again until about 9-9:30 playing kick the can or some other game we’d invent for the evening

"Wow life in the 1950's" DO NOT MOCK IT. The Twilight Zone we exist in today is hellish in comparison.

Michael Rennie went on to play two more "out of this world" roles in the sixties, guest starring in both "Lost in Space" and "The Invaders"

If I'd been Klaatu in the remake, Jaden Smith would've been enough reason to wipe Earth off the face of the solar system.

Hands down the greatest science fiction film ever made. No matter how many times I watch it, I'm always on the edge of my seat waiting for what happens next. Everything is this film is just right, from the casting to the music.

As a child watching this in my room late at night, Gort scared the piss out of me, especially when his visor lifted at Patricia Neal.

Love this film. A stone cold classic from the legendary Robert Wise, a director who could make classics in any genre and often did.

I love Keanu Reeves but the remake pales in comparison to the original.

Those classic SF films like The Day the Earth Stood Still, give me extra joy. Because of the Theremin music. 🙂

Oh that fantastic spaceship(how it opens), Gort with his laser!

My idea of a really cool day would be for Dan Monroe to reserve the entire Sci Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney and let him pick his favorite classic Sci-Fi movie and we all join him. He would give us a bunch of history on the movie first, tell us about why he likes it and we all watch it together. That would be a really cool day! I would go!

One other legacy reference to this movie: In an episode of The Rockford Files, actor James Garner utters the phrase "Klaatu Barada Nikto" as a wisecrack aimed at two thugs in the story.

When I first saw the original as a kid, I thought the creases in Gort's body as he walked looked cheap. Now, after seeing liquid metal robots such as the T-1000, Gort looks visionary.

Citizen Kane is a fantastic movie, I saw it in theaters back in 2008. A local theater at the time used to (not anymore) show classic movies all summer long.

Love this classic masterpiece film. Thanks again Dan for bringing the past back to vivid life.

For 6 decades I must have seen this a good 150 times(probably more) and never get tired of it!

Absolutely one of the best sci-fi movies ever. Great story and cast!!😅Gort was one of the best robot ever made!!

The Dan Monroe Vodka/Jell-O shot counter: 1. "Soooo..." 2. "How cool is that?" 3. "Guaaarghhh....critics!" 4. "is the topic of another video..." 5. "Ohhh the pain, the pain..."(Dr. Smith voice) 6. Good Guy Dan(shouts out another creator)

Thank you for another great video. This is one of my top four favorite movies of the fifties.

One of the greatest sci-fi movie of and for all time!

I watched this as a child, and it both terrified and entertained me. I was hooked by the interior of the spacecraft, in particular the lighting effects. And then there's Gort! I found him menacing.

Dan You are perfect for the job. Very informative, passionate and direct couldn't ask for a better person to do this. Now that computes!!

I loved it as kid in the 50's and love it still. I was too young to see it in 51 bc I was born in 49. When I did see it for the first time, 8t blew me away. Another favorite was Forbiden Planet. We saw the Grand Opening of it, I was so excited and can still remember seeing the poster of Robbie holding the the girl outside the theater. Even adults were going to see it bc of all the hype. Great memories. And then there was the Blob, Godzilla etc.

As a young boy I have to admit that Gort scared me. When his visor opened up and that light started to shine out of there, I literally wanted to run and hide under my bed. This movie also gave us three of the most famous words ever uttered on TV "Klaatu barada nikto". It wasn't until I got much older that I finally could understand what a great movie this really is. The casting is perfect and the story is believable. The idea of the aliens being friendly and wanting to help us and the military wanting to destroy them is a lesson that needed to be told. TBH I'm surprised they were even able to make this movie considering it was 1951. This is one of, if not the most classic sci-fi films ever made. To this day it pains me that they did a remake and ruined what was essentially a great movie. The remake is so bad, even Keanu Reeves couldn't save it. You were very kind in your treatment of the remake.

This has always been, and always will be my favorite movie of my entire life. I still watch It today. Have never gotten tired of it. I think this was one of the most awe inspiring movies of all time

I have a vintage laser disc shadow box display with Michael Rennie's and Patricia Neal's autographed photos. The bluray is outstanding. One of my favorite movies in my sci-fi collection.

Excellent as usual Dan Monroe... The line in the film of the exchange between Klaatu and Professor Barnhardt when talking about what Gort could do to the Earth, still gives me chills "Such Power exists? I assure you... such power exists" Written and acted superbly...

My dad showed me this film when it was first released on VHS back in 1988 I was 6 years old and it left a huge impression on me!!! Thank you Dad for making science fiction My fav genre!!!

...... Really hope you will cover Robinson Crusoe on Mars it was a very popular and influential film and even led to a novel and a movie called Enemy mine.

I love this movie. I've often wished a benevolent (up to a point) visitor from space would come and kick us in our pants. Imagine the impact of stopping all our electronics today! Of course, as in the movie the airplans would still fly and hospitals still had electricity to keep patients alive. Which they'd probably charge extra for. 😯 Thank you, Dan for this video. I'd love to have a 7ft. Gort. However, I need to point out that what Patricia was told to say was, "Gort! Klaato Barada Nikto." Thanks again, Dan. 😃🖖💕💕

Watched this movie for the first time on TV with my dad in the 60’s. Brought back some special memories. Thanks for that, Dan.

I love the movie, but I always wondered how Gort waddled down the street to remove Klaatu from the jail cell without being seen. I mean it’s Washington D.C, somebody would have seen him, he’s 7’ tall.

I heard you mention Robinson Caruso on Mars. Please, please, please let it be true, you are planning a future episode on this incredible movie.❤

Dan the man again bring me back to being a nerdy kid. I'm now a 63 year old nerdy senior citizen and enjoying the hell out of your videos.

Always one of my all time favorite Sci Fi movies!

As a retired Soldier who served in 3ACR, it's great to see their history in this movie. I will never watch it the same again. Thanks, Dan.

The Keanu Reeves "remake" changed the focus from nuclear weapons, Man's aggression, and war to the environment and "killing" the planet by Man.

Michael Rennie was born in my home town, Bradford in the United Kingdom in the village of Idle. He passed away in the town of Harrogate which is about 20 miles away at the age of 61 when visiting his mother

*Now, I have a serious request, Dan. What ever happened to "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension!?"* While the plot might have been confusing (took me three times watching it to "get" it) it features a stellar cast - Peter Weller, John Lithgow, Ellen Barkin, Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Lloyd, (!!) also Rosalind Cash, Clancy Brown and others in supporting roles. *PLEASE* do an in-depth review/exposé of this marvelous cult classic!! Thank you!!

Absolutely no remakes trash!!! Especially this masterpiece!!!

I have a 19 inch tall Gort with the box signed by Patricia Neal - one of my favorites!

At Monster Bash, in the dealer room where we met, I bought a wind-up Gort! Just unboxed it today. It works perfectly! Gort stalks my workstation.

This has become my favorite RU-vid channel. I learn so much about this stuff. It takes me back to my childhood. Thanks Dan

This was the best science fiction move that I saw as a kid. I never saw it at a theater but remember watching it on TV in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This was MY movie. My name is Robert Benson. When I realized that “Bobby Benson” was one of the main characters, I told my mother that it was “my movie”! As I got older and rewatched the movie, the scene where Billy Gray takes Michael Rennie to Arlington National Cemetery to see his father’s grave, always gave me an odd feeling to see my name on a grave stone. Classic movie that captured the fear of Communism and nuclear war all in one setting! Thanks, Dan.

My Late Father Told Me A Couple Of Times, When I Was In My Late Teens, In The Late 1970's, That He Had Seen The Day The Earth Stood Still In The Theatre Back In 1951, When He Was 25 Years Old, And That He Really Liked It, And Every Time It Was On TV Cable Back In The Late 1970's. Through The 1980's, We Would Watch It Together, With My Older Brother, And His Wife, And Family . . . :-)

Don't forget Aunt Bee also appeared in the movie.

This movie used to scare the hell out of me as a kid. The remake just made me want to roll my eyes behind the head.

Gort wasnt meant to be menacing just imposing. He was like a Judge Jury and Executioner

So cool Dan, thanks for all your hard work. Its appreciated.

Thank you Dan for doing what you do, reminding me of when I was so little enjoying life growing up...:) Now in my 60's I understand what & how my dad felt remembering the olden days.

In the 70s, my wife & I lived in Topanga and through my motorcycle racing, were fortunate to meet & get to know semi-neighbor, Billy Gray. Billy was/is a surprising, impressive and rare man. That could be a whole video alone. As a birthday surprise, we took him unbeknownst to a Sherman Oaks theater that was running TDTESS as part of a Sci Fi festival. I knew he hadn't seen it in MANY YEARS. I was terrified that he would be offended or even angry at our "kidnapping" or at very least, be annoyed at our "fan boy & girl" behavior. He sat silently between us, nibbling some popcorn and showing no reaction... just watching. As we got in the van afterward, he finally said, "I guess I wasn't really that bad, was I?" in dead seriousness. We said, "No, man you were not -- like all your roles." We breathed a sigh of relief and he unloaded tins of stories about the filming, the cast, Father Knows Best, his career difficulties in the 60s... It seemed almost like we opened a tap of memories, feelings and thoughts that had lay dormant for a long time. I'm sorry that we lost touch over the years: a very special, impressive guy.

Love the connection of one of my favorite SciFi movies, with my favorite musical, West Side Story, and my favorite architect. Frank Lloyd Wright's influence can be seen in the horizontal glass tubes used in the spaceships interior, which is similar to the glass tubes he used for the Johnson Wax research tower in Racine WI.

The reimagining with Keanu Reeves was annoyingly bad. Though Reeves did a passable rendition of Klaatu, the rest of the characters as well as the story were just plain nerve grating. And switching the basic plotline from the warning against the militaristic use of nuclear power to the ecologic warning just made no sense. One can understand the alien league caring about mankind's aggressive expansion into space, but why would they give a flip what we did here ecologically on our own world. That is like worrying about whether or not you neighbor down the street has hardwood floors or carpet in their home. You don't really care because it doesn't effect you. The premise of the original was much more relevant, and actually made sense.

Thanks again for a great deep dive into a film that scared the crap out of me as a child.

Firstly, Dan, thank you for the thumbs up on my comment on your last show. You have the greatest show that makes my day. Thank you for this episode. The Day The Earth Stood Still is a classic. There are many websites and documentaries on this movie. I'd like to give a nod to more facts. Patricia Neal thought this movie was so ridiculous and silly, she literally laughed through it. She said when Gort carried her, she turned her face from the camera because she found him so funny. She later said at the private screening, she didn't know how great and important the movie was until she saw it with cast and director Robert Wise. She said she was stunned that it garnished such a fan base over the years that she had a greater respect for the film. Next is Sam Jaffe (hope I spelled his last name right). Jaffe was part of the black listed actors during the McCarthy era. Having never acted since his listing, Wise wanted Jaffe in the film for being perfect for the role and a good actor. When someone at Fox said Jaffe had to be replaced because of his listing, it was said Wise's wise response was, "I don't give a damn about that stupid listing. He stays." I'm glad he did. He made that role his. Lastly, there was a website about 10 years ago discussing flaws in the movie. One I can recall is when all electrical devices run by electricity around the world will lose power, and then the planet might take the situation serious. In shots showing this, stoplights still function, some electrical signs work, and even a distant siren is heard. I never noticed them til I pulled the dvd out to that scene. I was deep into the movie. This was one of the earliest films in the sci-fi era that took itself serious. Thanks, Dan, for all the work you put into this episode. Quality workmanship.

It’s always interesting when you hear about the actors who “might” have been and to imagine how that may have changed the movie.

Note about the equations: The "3 body problem" is not a thing that has to do with long distance space flight. It is about what happens if you try to make a "solar system" with more than two suns in it of about equal mass and about the same size orbits around each other. It has been shown that the situation is not stable in the long term. One of the 3 will be ejected and/or two of the three will crash into each other. This movie is one that I would watch again if it was coming on TV. It is an example of a movie that is the "perfect version". There is no way you could make a better one.

Thanks for the deep dive into "The Day the Earth Stood Still" It is a movie I never tire of watching. A simple story with a profound message. Let's never mention the remake or whatever ever that was.

The late great Michael Rennie is buried in Harrogate, England just 2 miles from my home

I almost didn’t watch this one because I knew you did one already but man am I glad I did as usual you knocked it out of the park. Top of the list for classic sci-fi. Robinson Caruso on Mars please dive into this one.

It was rumoured the band Klaatu were the Beatles in disguise, I wonder if that started due to Ringo's Goodnight Vienna cover?? When are we getting a coffee table book of all this great stuff Dan??? Love ya work.

Hi Dan, We all are waiting for you to do a video on (Them) !

And of course the Theramin is the weird instrument used on the Beachboys Good Vibrations

The Day That The Earth Stood Still has got to be one of my all time favourite sci fi movies. So yea. You can imagine my disappointment with the remake. Gort was too big to be taken seriously and where was the saucer? All we got was some luminous oversized beach ball. Some people liked it. I didn't. You can tell can't you. If it had, had a different title it might've gotten away with it. But no. They went for TDTTESS instead. But yea. Getting back to the review and the film. Both are fantastic. And worth a watch if you haven't already seen the film.

One of the greatest films ever made. Brilliant score, brilliant cast, brilliant effects and iconic. Being shot in black and white makes the film even better, the use of shadow and silhouette is so well done.

Another excellent video, Mr. Dan! Klaatu's monologue at the end has always been one of my favorite scenes in all of cinema. Ironically, my 10 year old grandson and I watched this movie together a couple of months ago. (we have full custody and are raising him, he's pretty much my son) He was mesmerized during the entire movie. He didn't talk much immediately after, just went to his room to read....I went in and asked why he seemed upset, if the movie scared him. He said, no...I just wish aliens would visit and give the same message so the world would not be at war anymore. Amazed at his insight and thoughtfullness, we had a little talk about it. Point being even today, as you said, this movie had/has a powerful message and for that reason alone ranks as one of the best sci fi's.

This channel is a gift for sci-fi nerds like myself. These deep dives are terrific! Montreal in the '70s had several repertory cinemas so I was able to see all these amazing classic science fiction films in a theatre. Keep up the great work, Dan!

The Andromeda Strain great book and it is one of the few movies that follow the book very close. Both are Great. that would be a good review. Thanks you Rock.

Absolutely love this movie. If/when you do one on First Men in the Moon, don't forget to mention the BBC did a very good version of their own in 2010.

As another 78 year old guy s aw this back in the day and thought the story line was original and can be enjoyed today despite the early but effective effects.

Smart move using an "unknown" actor gives more believability to the part. I know when I see a famous movie star in a role it's hard to suspend belief and buy into that person is actually this character.

The putty on the seams of the spaceship prop probably worked so great also because the film quality of the time hid the flaws.

18:54 With respect to Reeves as an actor: Somehow, the remake could not match the original film. Rennie was not only perfect for his lack of U.S. recognition, he exuded the curiosity and kindness of an alien who wants to *help* this planet of wonder and diverse life from needing to be destroyed. Klaatu wanted to be be a benefactor to humans, discovering that the moment of their development might condemn them. And he *felt* that, no doubt having witnessed other worlds fail the test and, by harsh galactic standards, become destroyed. I believe the studio made a wise choice in picking a relatively unknown foreign actor for the part.

This film is my 2nd favorite period film only behind Forbidden Planet. I just re-watched it last weekend. The score is solid even today. Looooooove it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this, in large measure to what Arthur C. Clarke always felt-that this is a SF film by which all others should be measured. Actually, this film and “2001” run neck and neck for the greatest of all. Thanks for digging up so many behind the scenes photos, Dan-many of them I had never seen before this segment you worked so diligently on! I agree that Bernard Herrmann’s then avant-garde score magnifies the power and durability of “Day the Earth Stood Still” immeasurably. He was the best choice for scoring the film-had it been Erich Korngold, Franz Waxman or Max Steiner, the film would have been far more easily dated. As it is, yes it has a decidedly “vintage” feel, but at least it comes across as a one of kind classic!

Is it just me or does Kate Mulgrew, Voyagers capt, Janeway, look a lot like Patricia Neil, the female lead in this movie ?

I've heard that the reason that the Dept Of Defense didn't support the movie was that it was perceived as a "peace" movie during the Korean War era.

Love the bit about the seam in the ship..didn't know that, amazing! thank you sir!

Excellent review, Dan. And Thanks. This movie is my all time favorite. Such an awesome cast. Reminded me of a short story i read in the 60's. I believe it was called Footsteps? Or Footsteps behind You.If someone killed somebody, a robot was sent after them to eliminate them.The ramake, although interesting cocept was not up to par. The premise was changed. Why cant they leave well enough alone.

Amazing piece of journalism, you set the bar very high!

I like the diplomatic way you described the remake movie "less then stellar". I will need to remember that expression. All your videos are educational and entertaining. You cover a lot of my childhood. Thank you for the research and work you put into each of your videos.

Finally!!! Thanks to you Dan, I found the name of that movie, "Quartemass And The Pit"! I remember seeing that on TV with my brother and sister and thought it was a freaky movie. I've been wanting to see it again after a few decades so I bought the bluray. Excellent video as always and thank you again!!

This movie was shown in Cuban TV back in the late sixties, that's the first time I saw it. Was blown away, not just because of the science fiction aspect, but because of the way American society was presented. The movie is haunting. The music is otherworldly. I remember being in such suspense about who the spaceman was the first time I saw it. Yes, I was scared of the robot. Later, after watching it again, I appreciated the movie for its message. You did not mention Mako's cameo appearance at the end of the movie. He plays what passes off as a Chinese soldier with the rest of the scientists. Mako's biggest role was of the wizard in Schwarzenegger's Conan the Barbarian movie. I have not been able to find many behind the scenes stills of the making of this film. You seem to have a very good source. Care to share it? I'd like to post them on my Pinterest 'Making a Movie!' board. Excellent video. I have to stop everything and see your contributions every time they show up on my feed. Keep up the great work. A

OMG! Undeniably my favorite sci-fi movie of all time. Most of it I already know, but you ALWAYS bring to light those little nuggets that were hidden away. I will check out all the videos that you referenced and will follow you always...it's like we are two peas in the same pod...AWESOME!