Monday Morning Maybe

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Poster for The Day the Earth Stood Still

The Day the Earth Stood Still

Seen it?

1951 | 92 min | Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (95% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and sci-fi fans. If you loved Arrival or Moon, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 32 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1951: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

An alien and a robot land on Earth after World War II and tell mankind to be peaceful or face destruction.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.4 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Golden Globe: Best Film Promoting International Understanding.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide on a $995K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 292K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Robert Wise

  • Michael RennieKlaatu / Mr. Carpenter
  • Patricia NealHelen Benson
  • Billy GrayBobby Benson
  • Sam JaffeProf. Jacob Barnhardt
  • Hugh MarloweTom Stevens
  • Lock MartinGort
  • Freeman LuskGeneral Cutler
  • Edith EvansonMrs. Crockett
  • Frank ConroyMr. Harley
  • Frances BavierMrs. Barley