Question 1

Why was Lock Martin cast as the robot Gort, and what challenges did he face in the role?

Accepted Answer

Lock Martin was cast because he was almost 7 feet tall. He had difficulty with the heavy Gort suit and could only stay in it for about 30 minutes at a time.

Question 2

What authentic physics equations appear on Professor Barnhardt's blackboard in the film?

Accepted Answer

The equations describe a particular form of the famous 'three-body problem' in Newtonian gravitation, which has no general closed-form solution and is central to interstellar navigation.

Question 3

How did the filmmakers create the seamless appearance of the spaceship door opening?

Accepted Answer

The crack around the door was filled with putty and painted over. When the door opened, the putty tore apart, making it seem to simply appear.

Question 4

What did Patricia Neal think about the film while it was being made?

Accepted Answer

Patricia Neal admitted she was unaware it would become a classic, assuming it would be just another trashy flying saucer film and found it difficult to keep a straight face.

Question 5

Which real-life broadcast journalists appear as themselves in the film to increase realism?

Accepted Answer

Famous broadcast journalists hired for cameos include Gabriel Heatter, H.V. Kaltenborn, Drew Pearson, and Elmer Davis.

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The Day the Earth Stood Still

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