The Day The Earth Stood Still is a movie that stands the test of time. I am referring to the original version that was made in 1951, as opposed to the remake. The film is especially relevant for today's world.
I have seen The Day The Earth Stood Still several times. While it is classified in the science fiction genre, there is much in it that reflects the accuracy of both the cold war era and our present situation in the U.S. and throughout the world. If you have never seen the film, I highly recommend it.
Michael Rennie portrayed Klaatu, a visitor from outer space who came to Washington D.C. with a message of peace. The immediate response of the U.S. military was to fire on Klaatu. This action was thwarted by Gort, a highly intelligent robot capable of much harm, but restrained when given instructions by Klaatu.
Klaatu came to the U.S. to speak first with the world's leading scientists, and then to political leaders. His primary mission was to urge our nations to live in peace or face unimaginable peril. At the end of the film, Klaatu delivered a powerful message that is highly significant for our fractured country and world. He indicated that he is not concerned with petty arguments between nations of the world, but warned if any conflicts threaten life beyond earth, we would be reduced to a "burned out cinder." His final challenge to earthlings was to live in peace or else......., and concluded, "I await your answer."
The Day The Earth Stood Still was made during the cold war, a time when the U.S. was precariously close to a war with Russia that could have wiped out civilization if there had been a nuclear exchange. We are in similar circumstances today. We need to heed Klaatu's challenge and learn to live in peace. We must do our part in the U.S., and that means saying NO to autocracy in a country that prides itself on democracy.
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