Military

Science fiction films of the 1950's often depicted the military as heroes who save humanity from alien invasion. In other cases, the military is a body of war-mongering people who lack the rationality of scientists. Though the role of scientists was debated in America, the role of the military was clear: to protect America from communism and nuclear war. After World War II, the general American public did not question the role of the military as much as other matters, such as the role of science. Anyone who questioned the military would have been labeled as a Communist.

How can science fiction movies of the 1950's depict the military as a harmful institution? The science fiction narrative invites many possibilities in its development of plot, character, and themes. Unlike other genres, such as drama and comedy, science fiction can transform time and space to present narratives that allude to established institutions without depicting them (Evans). Despite, the most remarkable science fiction films of the 1950's question the role of the American military directly, without vague references. A prominent example is The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), where the American military assumes Klaatu, a peaceful alien emissary, is an aggressive enemy. A soldier shoots at Klattu, depicting the "trigger-happy" soldier.

However, most science fiction films of the 1950's exhibit the military as a heroic force. Notable instances include "The Thing from Another World" (1951), where military men with common sense and courage must challenge self-destructive, irrational scientists. The same scenario occurs in Forbidden Planet (1956), where the commanding officer, Commander John J. Adams, learns of Dr. Morbius' secret and must stop him before the entire military crew is killed. Along with the military, Forbidden Planet praises other institutions above pure science. Commander John J. Adams says at the end of the film, "We are all part monsters in our conscious, that's why we have laws and religion." Thus, authority is viewed as a necessity for society.

Sometimes, scientists and military men are combined into one role, demonstrating a need of good leadership in both fields. The Island Earth (1955), the hero Carl Meecham is a scientist and member of the military. He tackles scientific questions and flies an airforce fighter as well. Carl Meecham combines the admirable attributes of both scientist and military man. He is smart yet courageous, and most importantly, he has the ability to manipulate science for good. Carl Meecham is leader who knows how to master politics, as evidenced by the first scene, a press conference. As mentioned in the science section, real life scientists had little control over the political process while the government determined policy. Thus, science fiction films of the 1950's are aware of the power and responsibility of the military.