US
1951
1hr 32mins
Dir: Robert Wise
Starring: Michael Rennie and Patricia Neal
A humanoid alien visits earth to relay a message that will affect the entire planet
This was the first pre-war feature length science fiction ‘A’ movie and it set a precedent that would span two decades. The Day the Earth Stood Still has stayed fresh despite the simplicity of the alien effects because the morals it portrayed then are even stronger now. It is based on the 1940 short story Farewell to the Master by Harry Bates and though set entirely in Washington, when the Earth is brought to a complete standstill by the alien invaders there is a montage sequence from around the world showing cities at a stand. The ‘London’ shot shows Westminster Bridge and some trams can be clearly seen.
