The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

[theoldwolf]

Well, at least I got a nice copy of the original when I purchased the recent remake, so my money wasn't a total waste.

I'm gratified that this film ranks 7th on Arthur C. Clarke's top-10 science fiction film list, because even 58 years later - coincidentally my age - it's just as relevant now as it was then. It's a tight film, without a second wasted, and made with the intention that it would

a) be as realistic as the technology allowed, and
b) transmit the message that mankind needs to get rid of its violent nature if it cares to survive.

"Klaatu barada nikto!" is one of the most famous lines ever uttered in a science-fiction film, but was not the only thing that Klaatu said. The remainder of the dialog is:

Gort! Deglet ovrosco! (Said after Klaatu is shot the first time)

Imray Klaatu naruwak.
Makro pluvau/pluval, baratu lokdeniso impeklis.
Yavo tari axo/axel bugletio barengi degas. (Klaatu's instructions - ostensibly to his Federation - for his "demonstration of power"; this linguist's best transcription. Two words are nearly impossible to pinpoint without a script or screenplay. You can listen to the dialog here.)

Klaatu barada nikto!

Gort, berengo. Probably much like "Mirab, his sails unfurled," i.e. Gort, let's blow this bait shack.

If you use Firefox 3 or Orca, try typing "about:robots" in the URL bar, and see what you get.

Comments

[marmoe.livejournal.com]

I'll have to watch this movie someday.

Another egg:
about:mozilla

[sleepyjohn00.livejournal.com]

It says something about TDTESS that they had to package the original in, to sell copies of the remake.

[ccdesan.livejournal.com]

It does indeed. I only noticed the existence of Disk 2 after I had brought it home - and by the time I had finished Disk 1, it took some of the sting out of it...

[deckardcanine.livejournal.com]

I think "Klaatu barada nikto" is easily the most famous line in the movie partly because it was the only one repeated, partly because a human got to say it, and partly because it apparently conveyed quite a number of instructions in just seven syllables. Not a second wasted, indeed! (I suppose it's like saying "Plan B" when you've discussed it before.)

I won't say that TDTESS hasn't aged a bit. It's gotten hard to take aliens who look just like humans seriously, except maybe if they touch on some transformation or illusion.

[coyoty.livejournal.com]

On the about:robots page, be sure to click on "Try again."

[ccdesan.livejournal.com]

Oh, but I didn't dare. I didn't want this earth reduced to a burned-out cinder...

Klaatu's speech

[jedekiah.livejournal.com]

OK I admit it. I love this movie. I read Klaatu's missive as fololw, just comparing notes... Imray Klaatu Naruwat Makro Pluvaal, barata lufdensal imperclit Yavu tarry axel peclairteo barengi degas. Have a good day. John

Re: Klaatu's speech

[ccdesan.livejournal.com]

When I volunteered in the Salt Lake 2002 Olympics, I was given a parka as part of my uniform.

I call it "blue." My wife, rather emphatically, tells me that I'm nuts, and it's "purple."

What you hear and what I hear will be different - I'd kill for a copy of the script that Michael Rennie was working from. Thanks for your comment, and have a great day!

Re: Klaatu's speech

[jedekiah.livejournal.com]

http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Day-the-Earth-Stood-Still,-The.html has the script but the details we seek are missing. :-(

best

John

Re: Klaatu's speech

[ccdesan.livejournal.com]

Well, one tiny piece of the puzzle is there. Klaatu says "Gort! Deglet ovrosco!" Thanks for the pointer... what a shame they didn't include the main dialog.