Forbidden Planet (1956)

A starship, commanded by Leslie Nielsen, is sent to Altair IV to determine the fate of a previous expedition to the planet. As they approach, they receive a warning not to land from Walter Pidgeon, the only survivor from the earlier crew, which of course the current team ignores. I have developed quite an appreciation for 1950s science fiction and this one filmed in Cinemascope with absolutely gorgeous set pieces is an incredible specimen. I would have cynically tweaked the ending, but other than that, it’s an absolute classic from its score to its special effects to its quaint notions on interstellar travel.  

Oscar Nomination: Best Effects, Special Effects