This Day in History: 1951-09-28

The Day the Earth Stood Still – a highly regarded science fiction film – is released on this day in 1951 by 20th Century Fox studios. The film’s central character — Klatau — an alien who lands a flying saucer on the mall in Washington DC to bring a  the message that earth must become a peaceful planet. “Your choice is simple,” Klaatu says. “Join us and live in peace, or pursue your present course and face obliteration.”