The Day the Earth Stood Still Page #22

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:

(smiling, but a little

concerned)

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:

(he suddenly pauses,

thoughtfully)

One thing, Mr. Klaatu. Suppose this

group should reject your proposals.

What is the alternative?

KLAATU:

(with a sense of quiet,

inescapable power)

I'm afraid you have no alternative.

In such, a case the planet Earth

would have to be--

(he looks for the

right word)

--eliminated.

The implications of this statement leave Barnhardt speechless,

his keen mind reeling.

BARNHARDT:

Such power exists?

KLAATU:

I assure you such power exists.

Barnhardt stands silent for a moment, trying to collect his

shattered thoughts. Klaatu watches him as he starts pacing

again.

BARNHARDT:

The people who came to the meeting

must be made to realize this. They

must understand what is at stake.

(after a thoughtful

moment, he looks up)

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:

(with a nod)

That can easily be arranged.

BARNHARDT:

(frightened by his

easy assumption of

infinite power)

I wouldn't want you to harm anybody --

or destroy anything.

KLAATU:

(easily)

Why don't you leave it to me? I'll

think of something.

BARNHARDT:

(with a nervous half-

smile)

Maybe a little demonstration.

KLAATU:

(thinking about it)

Something dramatic -- but not

destructive.

(intellectually amused)

It's quite an interesting problem.

(Barnhardt nods vaguely)

Would day after tomorrow be all right?

Say about noon?

Klaatu's bland manner leaves Barnhardt shaken, almost wishing

he'd never started this business.

FADE OUT:

INT. LIVING ROOM - BOARDINGHOUSE - NIGHT

It is about 3:
30 the following evening. Helen is sitting in

a chair leafing through a magazine. She is dressed to go

out. A corner of the dining room can be seen, where Mr. and

Mrs. Barley are playing cards with Mr. Krull. Mrs. Crockett,

the landlady, enters from the hall on her way to the dining

room and notices Helen.

MRS. CROCKETT

Going out, dear?

HELEN:

Yes, I'm waiting for Tom to pick me

up.

MRS. CROCKETT

(with a shudder)

Personally, I won't go out after

dark these days.

(with an attempt at

slyness)

But then -- I'm not courting, am I?

She turns to go on into the dining room and as she does so

almost bumps into Klaatu who is coming out, having been

kibitzing the card game.

MRS. CROCKETT

(thoroughly startled)

Oh -- Mr. Carpenter--!

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