"When Worlds Collide", directed by Rudolph Maté

Movie, 1951

Rather slight and occasionally toe-curling science fiction, saved by wonderful technicolor effects. Otherwise, this is lame, looking like propaganda for an American super race in the making, but showing compassion towards children and animals. Cliches abound and dull characters barely brought to life by listless acting. For all that, it's quite watchable, even if the Noah references, wheelchair villain and hammy love story are enough to send most people reaching for the remote control.

"The Day the Earth Stood Still", directed by Robert Wise

Movie, 1951

Cold War science fiction film which despite its reliance on formulae, repetitive stock footage (or what looks like stock footage) and fairly rudimentary special effects, sets down a message which focuses less on the reds under the bed and more on the innate human quality for self rather than mutual destruction. As a result, the film is pretty bleak and can feel preachy, but must have seemed nuanced at the time of its release. It still carries a punch in 2017. Overlook the naivety here and there, fall into the period and this is an enjoyable, cautionary tale.