As with many readers, I read this story because it is the basis of one of my favorite movies, the original The Day The Earth Stood Still. However, the movie has almost nothing to do with the story. Except for the landing and the names of Klaatu and Gort, the plots are completely different.

The original story has a few interesting twists, including Gort being the real master and his ability to (imperfectly) reconstruct entire beings from sound recordings. However, this is a rare case in which I think the movie was better. ( )

I liked the original story much, much better than the hollywood productions. That includes the radio drama, or EITHER of the movies.

What can I say? I'm a throwback. I like the originals. Sparse little stories that house big ideas that capture so many imaginations later until they're driven deep in the ground only to sprout up as little jokey comments or tropes EVERYONE KNOWS.

But, me? I like to see where it starts. I wanted to know where The Day The Earth Stood Still came from.

And I thought it was pretty okay. :)

Not exactly first contact, a bit of mystery, a bit of suspense, ending on a note of hope.

I likey. Kinda minimalist. Quite focused.

That being said, it's never going to be my favorite story of any time. 1940 or no. :) ( )