Bob Schwartz

“Something that would dramatize for them and for their people the seriousness of the situation.”

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951 original) from director Robert Wise is a significant science fiction movie.

In it, Klaatu arrives from a distant world to warn people of earth that their selfish destructive ways threaten the order of the entire universe, and they must stop.

He asks Professor Barnhardt (a stand-in for Albert Einstein) to help. Klaatu is to address an assembly of all world leaders. He says that if people of earth don’t change their ways, the earth will be destroyed.

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KLAATU
I came here to warn you that, by threatening danger, your planet faces danger — very grave danger. I am prepared, however, to offer a solution.

BARNHARDT
Would you care to be more specific?

KLAATU
What I have to say must be said to all concerned.It is too important to be entrusted to any individual.

BARNHARDT
I gather that your efforts on the official level were not entirely successful.

KLAATU
I come to you as a last resort — and I confess that my patience is wearing thin.Must I take drastic action in order to get a hearing?

BARNHARDT
What — what sort of action do you mean?

KLAATU
Violent action — since that seems to be the only thing you people understand.Leveling the island of Manhattan, perhaps — or dropping the Rock of Gibraltar into the sea.

BARNHARDT
Would you be willing to meet with the group of scientists I am calling together?. Perhaps you could explain your mission to them, and they in turn could present it to their various peoples.

KLAATU
That’s what I came to see you about.

BARNHARDT
It is not enough to have men of science. We scientists are too easily ignored — or misunderstood. We must get important men from every field. Educators — philosophers — church leaders — men of vision and imagination — the finest minds in the world.

KLAATU
I leave that in your hands.

BARNHARDT
You’d have no objection to revealing yourself at this meeting?

KLAATU
No — not at all.

BARNHARDT
What about your personal safety in the meantime? What about the Army — and the police?

KLAATU
My name is Carpenter and I’m a very earthy character living in a respectable boarding house.

BARNHARDT
I’m afraid I can’t offer you any real protection. I have no influence in cases of inter-planetary conspiracy.

KLAATU
I’m sure I’ll be quite safe until the meeting.

BARNHARDT
One thing, Mr. Klaatu. Suppose this group should reject your proposals. What is the alternative?

KLAATU
I’m afraid you have no alternative. In such, a case the planet Earth would have to be — eliminated.

BARNHARDT
Such power exists?

KLAATU
I assure you such power exists.

BARNHARDT
The people who came to the meeting must be made to realize this. They must understand what is at stake.You mentioned a demonstration of force–

KLAATU
Yes.

BARNHARDT
Would such, a demonstration be possible before the meeting?

KLAATU
Yes — of course.

BARNHARDT
Something that would dramatize for them and for their people the seriousness of the situation. Something that would affect the entire planet.

KLAATU
That can easily be arranged.

BARNHARDT
I wouldn’t want you to harm anybody — or destroy anything.

KLAATU
Why don’t you leave it to me? I’ll think of something.

BARNHARDT
Maybe a little demonstration.

KLAATU
Something dramatic — but not destructive.It’s quite an interesting problem.Would day after tomorrow be all right? Say about noon?

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The dramatic demonstration he arranges is to stop all power in the world, with the exception of that needed for health and safety. Normal life is brought to a standstill.

People of America are concerned. Maybe those who are concerned can borrow an idea from Klaatu. Maybe we can stop all that we are doing—with the exception of health and safety—for an hour at noon. Maybe that will be a demonstration of our concern that won’t be ignored.