Moive Script

Here is a portion of the moive script for the movie, "The Day the Earth Stood Still".


MED. SHOT - BARNHARDT'S AUDIENCE
as they react in startled amazement to the mysterious
appearance of the ramp. Then, as they watch, there is a sudden
gasp of terror.

MED. SHOT - AT SHIP

as Gort appears on the ramp and walks slowly down to the
ground. In a moment, Klaatu and Helen appear at the entrance
of the ship. Helen comes down the ramp to join Barnhardt,
while Klaatu remains at the head of the ramp.

MED. CLOSE SHOT COLONEL AND SOLDIERS

The Colonel stands near the door, flanked by a group of
soldiers, their rifles at the ready. The Colonel is startled
by what he sees. His eyes are on the revered figure of Klaatu
and he's debating what he should do.

MED. CLOSE SHOT - KLAATU

He is a figure of intense dignity in his impressive otherworld
tunic. He stares with even defiance at the armed soldiers,
as though holding them off by sheer weight of his personality.
He turns to look out at the audience, which is held
spellbound. Then, after a breathless moment, he speaks.

KLAATU
(straightforwardly,
with almost stern
authority)
I am leaving soon and you will forgive
me if I speak bluntly.
(he pauses, studying
the faces)
The Universe grows smaller every day --
and the threat of aggression by any
group -- anywhere -- can no longer
be tolerated.

MED. CLOSE SHOT - IN AUDIENCE

of three of the delegates, listening intently. (These three
are from Russia, India and France.)

KLAATU'S VOICE
(over scene)
There must be security for all -- or
no one is secure... This does not
mean giving up any freedom except
the freedom to act irresponsibly.

CLOSE SHOT - A DELEGATE

He is an American.

KLAATU'S VOICE
(over scene)
Your ancestors knew this when they
made laws to govern themselves --
and hired policemen to enforce them.

CLOSE SHOT - KLAATU

KLAATU
We of the other planets have long
accepted this principle. We have an
organization for the mutual protection
of all planets -- and for the complete
elimination of aggression. A sort of
United Nations on the Planetary
level... The test of any such higher
authority, of course, is the police
force that supports it. For our
policemen, we created a race of robots--
(indicating Gort)
Their function is to patrol the
planets -- in space ships like this
one -- and preserve the peace. In
matters of aggression we have given
them absolute power over us.

MED. CLOSE SHOT - GORT

emphasizing his great size and inscrutable expression. The
normal blinking of his piercing eyes as he gazes imperturbably
at the audience is his only movement.

KLAATU'S VOICE
(over scene)
At the first sign of violence they
act automatically against the
aggressor. And the penalty for
provoking their action is too terrible
to risk.

CLOSE SHOT - KLAATU

KLAATU
The result is that we live in peace,
without arms or armies, secure in
the knowledge that we are free from
aggression and war -- free to pursue
more profitable enterprises.
(after a pause)
We do not pretend to have achieved
perfection -- but we do have a system --
and it works.
(with straightforward
candor)
I came here to give you the facts.
It is no concern of ours how you run
your own planet -- but if you threaten
to extend your violence, this Earth
of yours will be reduced to a burned-
out cinder.

QUICK REACTION CUTS

of four delegates, reflecting their stark terror and
bewilderment. And a cut of the Colonel and the soldiers,
impressed and held by what Klaatu is saying.

MED. CLOSE SHOT - KLAATU

CAMERA MOVES SLOWLY as he concludes quietly, incisively.

KLAATU
Your choice is simple. Join us and
live in peace. Or pursue your present
course -- and face obliteration.
(after a pause)
We will be waiting for your answer.
decision rests with you.

By the time he reads the last line, the CAMERA HAS MOVED
INTO a BIG HEAD CLOSEUP.

MED. SHOT - THE DELEGATES

CAMERA MOVES along a row of their faces, stunned and silent,
their minds unable to cope with the enormity of what they
have heard.

MED. SHOT

CAMERA MOVES IN on Klaatu as he is saying goodbye to Barnhardt
and Helen. He turns then and speaks to Gort, glancing up at
the building as he does so.

KLAATU
Gort -- veracto.

CLOSE SHOT - GORT

He looks up at the roof of the building, and once again we
hear the peculiar generating sound from within him.

MED. LONG SHOT

including the delegates, the space ship, everything that is
inside the building. As we watch, the roof and walls of the
temporary structure suddenly disintegrate as the tanks did
in the opening. The entire layout -- delegates, space ship
and all -- remain exactly as they were except that instead
of being under a roof they are out in the open Mall under a
starry sky. The area is ringed with the debris of the
building.

MED. SHOT AT SHIP

Klaatu is standing at the head of the ramp as Gort comes up
the ramp and disappears inside the ship. Klaatu is nodding
goodbye to Barnhardt and Helen.

TWO SHOT - BARNHARDT AND HELEN

as they wave to Klaatu. Barnhardt is moved and impressed,
and Helen's face shows her emotions at this strange parting.

CLOSE SHOT - KLAATU

He nods and smiles at them with warm affection. Then he turns
and disappears into the ship, and the ramp closes behind
him.

MED. SHOT - THE SPACE SHIP

From inside the ship comes the muffled roar of great power
generating -- not the sound of earthly motors, but of a
tremendous dynamo.

MED. SHOT - THE DELEGATES

watching breathless, stunned by what they have heard and
seen.

MED. LONG SHOT - THE SHIP

As the sound from inside it builds to a climax, the great
ship takes off with a tremendous roar.

REACTION CUTS OF DELEGATES

All are deeply moved and impressed. In the mind of each is
the burning question that Klaatu has posed for them.

LONG SHOT - THE SHIP

as it soars away into the inky blackness of the outer spaces
from which it came.

FADE OUT:

THE END