The Day the Earth Stood Still: Behind The Scenes

By Ronald Milione

A UFO lands in a stadium in Washington D.C, setting the media alight with speculation on whether this is the end of the world or simply some new Soviet trick. The hubcap-shaped spacecraft carries two passengers, spaceman Klaatu (Michael Rennie) and his big robot guardian Gort (Lock Martin). In the face of a couple of army battallions, Klaatu professes to come in peace, but is nonetheless shot by a nervous soldier. Gort fires off a ray from the eye-slit in his ominous helmet, melting away weapons and tanks, until Klaatu commands him to stop. Despite his not-so warm welcome, Klaatu remains friendly, and heals miraculously at a hospital thanks to his own super medicine. Klaatu tells the US president's secretary Mr. Harley (Frank Conroy) that he wishes to meet with all the leaders of the world to bring a message important for the survival of the Earth. Mr. Harley politely informs him that during current political situations this will hardly be possible, and after failed attempts, Klaatu sneaks out from his hospital prison to try and find out more about this world that he has arrived to, stealing the clothes and briefcase of a Mr. John Carpenter, a name which he promptly assumes. He takes up lodging with the family of Helen Benson (Patricia Neal) and her son Bobby (Billy Gray). With Bobby as a guide he learns about humanity and their great thinkers (that is: the founding fathers and Abraham Lincoln, a pretty limited selection if you ask me), and grows fond of both him and Helen.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN13: 9798872454700
• Release Date: December 2023
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 354 Pages
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 0.8" x 8.5"