Oscar-winning star Patricia Neal will be in Chicago Saturday night to introduce a screening of the film that features her most unusual co-star: the menacing, silent 8-foot robot Gort. This, of course, was in the 1951 sci-fi classic “The Day the Earth Stood Still” with Michael Rennie as Klaatu, the sophisticated alien who warns Earth to stay peaceful or he’ll sic Gort on the world. Neal will introduce the film and greet fans in her distinctive lazy southern drawl at the Music Box Theatre as part of a 14-hour “Sci-Fi Spectacular” movie marathon. She recently chatted with freelance writer Richard Knight Jr.
What comes to mind when you think about shooting “The Day the Earth Stood Still”?
Neal: Well, I’m so sorry to tell you I thought it was hysterical. I found it so hard to keep a straight face. Michael Rennie would say things like, “Excuse me, but do you intend to lawwwfff here?” with that beautiful British accent of his and I would imitate him and say, “Noooo, I don’t.” I adore it now, and I’m so happy that I kept from laughing.
The phrase “Klaatu barada nikto” has had a great impact on popular culture — not unlike: “There’s no place like home.” Do you remember Gort picking you up right after you said that?
Neal: Oh boy, it was tough for him, baby, because he was exceedingly tall and tall people really don’t have a lot of strength. There’s a picture that I love of him holding me and two men behind him holding him up!
Have you often been back to Chicago? I know you went to Northwestern here.
Neal: I love Chicago. I was at Northwestern two years but then I left because my dad died my first year there and I ended up in New York on the stage.
You later worked with the very stylish Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Neal: Yes!
Did you know there’s a dance record that samples that line of yours from “Tiffany’s” — “I am a very stylish girl”?
Neal: Oh yes — and they stole those lines. And I know a lawyer — he’s my son-in-law (laughs) and he wouldn’t let it go and he got money for all of us (lines spoken by Hepburn and co-star George Peppard were also sampled in the recording).
You also got an Oscar for “Hud” opposite Paul Newman.
Neal: I love Paul Newman. I loved everybody in “Hud.” My daughter Olivia had died about six months before that and I said to Martin Ritt, the director, “I’d love to do it but I really can’t sit around when I’m not in it,” and he said, “I’ll let you go home.” So he shot me in Texas and then I went home for about six weeks and joined them in Hollywood and finished it. Isn’t that good?
Yes, but you didn’t get to be there to accept your Oscar.
Neal: I had a baby two days later in England. Ophelia, my daughter.
Not long after that you had massive strokes followed by a lot of other personal challenges. What’s been the philosophy that’s gotten you through such tough times?
Neal: I don’t know. I think you’re born as you turn out to be. I’ve had so many tragedies, but, you know, I get through them somehow.
Bette Davis always wanted her epitaph to read, “She did it the hard way.” What would you like?
Neal: I think I’ll have, “I’m still here.” Because I will be here . . . looking down on you.
Saying, “Klaatu barada nikto” perhaps?
Neal (laughs): “Klaatu barada nikto.” Yes — I can still say it.
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Sci-Fi Spectacular hours are noon to 4 a.m. Saturday; tickets are $16, available at the Music Box, 3733 N. Southport; call 773-871-6604 or visit musicboxthea tre.com.
