Sci-Fi History: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

A humanoid alien, Klaatu, visits Earth and delivers an ultimatum to humanity. He tells a professor that other planets worry that nuclear power will destroy Earth.  Klaatu warns people not to extend their violence into space.  He dies, is resurrected, and returns to the heavens.

In 1951, many believed Klaatu represented Christ and that annoyed and frightened some studio execs. The film also explores humanity’s capacity for violence.  Hollywood remade the film in 2008, but it lacked the power of the original. Without the Cold War, it’s message faded.