Summary

"Based on a screen treatment entitled 'Fatal Planet' by Irving Block and Allen Adler, the film also takes at least equal inspiration from Shakespeare's The Tempest.... Although electronic music had been used before, and it's commonplace now, Forbidden Planet was the first film to have an all-electronic score.... The dramatic situation centers on Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his daughter Altaira (Anne Francis), living on the barren planet Altair IV. When a rescue mission arrives, led by Commander Adams (Leslie Nielsen), it's warned away by Morbius, who insists that the lives of the ship's crew are in peril. His warnings prove prophetic when, one by one, members of Adams' crew succumb to a grim, violent death."
(Charles Tashi, http://www.planetario.it/fbessay.html, 13 Nov 97, 5:38pm)

Questions

1. What is the role/function of robot? Why was it created?

Robbie is the personal assistant of Morbius, the Prospero-like scientist who controls the planet. Robbie acts as a domestic servant, chauffeur, interpreter, soldier, and friend to Morbius' daughter, Alta.

2. How human is it? How human is it meant to be?

Despite his servitude, Robby almost has a human personality, though he does not possess emotions. According to Jeff Rovin, "Robby is somewhat humanoid....(He) is conversant in 188 languages.... His torso is shaped like a giant crockpot with a panel in front: Matter inserted into the opening there will be analyzed in his internal 'chemical laboratory' and reproduced exactly, in any quantity desired, from diamonds to alcohol....Powered by isotope 217, the roughly seven-foot tall robot is able to lift 10 tons with one hand, but is programmed not to harm humans."(Rovin, p.14)

It is interesting to note that Robby's space-suit appearance and all his mechanical gears do reflect the actual technology of the 1950s. His visible circuitry, buttons and other various apparati resemble the bulky vacuum-tube machinery behind automated vending machines, automobiles, and even television.

3. How does it act in society? How do humans react to it?

Robby is programmed to be the "benevolent and tireless servant": he is unable to harm humans due to a "built-in safety factor, recalling Asimov's basic 'Laws of Robotics.'"(Telotte, p.119) Especially as he appears in later films such as "The Invisible Boy," etc., Robby is a sharp contrast to the evil robots in earlier films. In "Forbidden Planet," when the men first land on Altair IV, they are taken aback at the sight of Robby for apparently mobile robots such as he had not been created yet elsewhere. Nevertheless, after becoming accustomed to Robby, the humans react positively and warmly to Robby. He is a friendly robot.

4. What are the consequences within the context of the world of the work?

Robby helps and hinders the good and evil sides of characters in the film. As Morbius' servant, Robby could pose a potential threat to the humans. Furthermore, in providing the cook with alcohol that "proves better than the 'real': 120 proof bourbon that leaves no hangover," Robby unwittingly "brings some very human weaknesses to the surface."(Telotte, p.120) Nevertheless, Robby ultimately provides the crew of the ship a way home by taking over the function of the ship's navigating computer.

5. Does it introduce a new idea or aid in the evolution of the robot? i.e. What's its contribution?

Robby is the epitome of the perfect friend and servant. He is faithful and unquestionably obedient, existing to please and serve human beings, a function which reveals itself to be both positive and negative. Despite his arousal of dark forces within human nature, such as in aiding Morbius, Robby demonstrates that technology "might yet help us find our way."(Telotte, p.125)