The 27th Day is a 1957 American black-and-white science fiction film, distributed by Columbia Pictures. It was produced by Helen Ainsworth, directed by William Asher, and stars Gene Barry, Valerie French, George Voskovec, and Arnold Moss. The screenplay by John Mantley is based on his 1956 original science fiction novel of the same name.
Reviewers say 'The 27th Day' is a cerebral Cold War sci-fi gem that challenges viewers to contemplate human nature and moral choices when given destructive power. Most praise its thought-provoking premise, professional direction, and dramatic tension, with solid performances particularly from Gene Barry. However, the film divides opinion on its plausibility and execution, with some finding the premise contrived and the ending disappointing. Despite mixed reactions to its political messaging, most consider it an engaging, intelligent watch worth viewers' attention.
Storyline:
An alien from a dying planet brings five average people from England, Germany, China, the Soviet Union and the United States onto its spacecraft. Each person is given a case containing vials that can destroy all life within a 3000-mile radius. They're told that the Earth will be spared complete destruction if all five can keep their respective governments from using the capsules for 27 days, but escalating Cold War tensions between the Americans and the Russians make that a difficult promise.
Credits:
Gene Barry as Jonathan Clark
Valerie French as Evelyn "Eve" Wingate
George Voskovec as Professor Klaus Bechner
Azemat Janti as Ivan Godofsky
Arnold Moss as The Alien
Stefan Schnabel as The Soviet General
Paul Frees as Ward Mason
Maria Tsien as Su Tan
Ralph Clanton as Mr. Ingram
Friedrich von Ledebur as Dr. Karl Neuhaus
Theo Marcuse as Col. Gregor
Paul Birch as The Admiral
Emil Sitka as The Newsboy
