Objects of Our Affection: Gort

Photo: Renee Rosensteel

In 1951, the science fiction classic The Day the Earth Stood Still introduced audiences to Gort, the robot bodyguard of an alien named Klaatu, who visited Earth with the intention of promoting peace. Gort and Klaatu are regarded with suspicion by the humans and violently attacked. They eventually escape, but before leaving Earth in their flying saucer, Klaatu warns a group of scientists that an interplanetary police force of invincible robots like Gort stand ready to respond to acts of war by the Earthlings. “Your choice is simple: Join us and live in peace, or pursue your present course and face obliteration,” Klaatu says. “We shall be waiting for your answer.” Based on a short story by Harry Bates called Farewell to the Master, the Cold War parable won a Golden Globe for the “Best Film Promoting International Understanding.” A replica of Gort, who was played in the movie by 7-foot-7-inch actor Lock Martin, is among the robots displayed at the entrance to The Rangos Giant Cinema at Carnegie Science Center.