What do you think?
Rate this book
Forbidden Planet
The Novelization of the Classic 1956 Sci-Fi Movie!Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Inc., 1956FORBIDDEN PLANETby Philip MacDonaldas W. J. StuartPOWER-MAD DR. MORBIUS MUST BE STOPPED BEFORE HE ENSLAVES THE WORLD!Commander Adams and the crew of Spaceship C-57-D land on Altair 4, the forbidden planet, where they hope to find the survivors of a previous expedition. But the only one they find is Dr. Morbius, a scientist with a deadly plan to take over the universe. Dr. Morbius warns the earthlings to leave at once.But Commander Adams and his crew stay—despite the terrifying attacks on their spaceship. For they know that theirs is the last chance to stop a madman from becoming Master of the Universe.ForewordONE Major (Medical) C. X. OstrowTWO Major (Medical) C. X. Ostrow (continued)THREE Commander J. J. AdamsFOUR Commander J. J. Adams (continued)FIVE Edward MorbiusSIX Major C. X. OstrowSEVEN Commander J. J. AdamsEIGHT Commander J. J. Adams (concluded)Postscript58,400 Words(Update Sep 12 2013 - Numerous typos fixed.)
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1956
13 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Philip MacDonald
154 books17 followersPhilip MacDonald (who some give as 1896 or 1899 as his date of birth) was the grandson of the writer George MacDonald and son of the author Ronald MacDonald and the actress Constance Robertson.
During World War I he served with the British cavalry in Mesopotamia, later trained horses for the army, and was a show jumper. He also raised Great Danes. After marrying the writer F. Ruth Howard, he moved to Hollywood in 1931. He was one of the most popular mystery writers of the 1930s, and between 1931 and 1963 wrote many screenplays along with a few radio and television scripts.
His detective novels, particularly those featuring his series detective Anthony Gethryn, are primarily "whodunnits" with the occasional locked room mystery. His first detective novel was 'The Rasp' (1924), in which he introduced his character Anthony Gethryn.
In later years MacDonald wrote television scripts for Alfred Hitchcock Presents ('Malice Domestic', 1957) and Perry Mason ('The Case of the Terrified Typist', 1958).
He twice received an Edgar Award for Best Short Story: in 1953, for 'Something to Hide', and in 1956, for 'Dream No More'. Indeed many critics felt that his short story writing was superior to his novels and they did win five second prizes in the annual contests held by 'Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine'.
He also wrote under the pseudonyms Oliver Fleming, Anthony Lawless, Martin Porlock, W.J. Stuart and Warren Stuart.
During World War I he served with the British cavalry in Mesopotamia, later trained horses for the army, and was a show jumper. He also raised Great Danes. After marrying the writer F. Ruth Howard, he moved to Hollywood in 1931. He was one of the most popular mystery writers of the 1930s, and between 1931 and 1963 wrote many screenplays along with a few radio and television scripts.
His detective novels, particularly those featuring his series detective Anthony Gethryn, are primarily "whodunnits" with the occasional locked room mystery. His first detective novel was 'The Rasp' (1924), in which he introduced his character Anthony Gethryn.
In later years MacDonald wrote television scripts for Alfred Hitchcock Presents ('Malice Domestic', 1957) and Perry Mason ('The Case of the Terrified Typist', 1958).
He twice received an Edgar Award for Best Short Story: in 1953, for 'Something to Hide', and in 1956, for 'Dream No More'. Indeed many critics felt that his short story writing was superior to his novels and they did win five second prizes in the annual contests held by 'Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine'.
He also wrote under the pseudonyms Oliver Fleming, Anthony Lawless, Martin Porlock, W.J. Stuart and Warren Stuart.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 6, 2019
I only found slight differences to the movie of the same name, a good science fiction movie, all you could ask for in a space story, a sense of adventure, exploration into the unkown always grips my imagination, and this as it all, a very imaginative peace of work by the author, and easy to understand why it is very popular story. Imy my opinion the story line in never out dated. It is a pleasure to read such a book.No editorial errors that I could find. Excellent work by the author.
January 22, 2025
A decently sufficient novelization for the hardcore fan.
Forbidden Planet is one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time. As influential as it is entertaining, it established the foundations for future sci-fi films and changed the way people looked at the genre in films for decades to come. From cheap B-movie slop, to carefully crafted and insightful stories.
The novelization is an accurate retelling of the movie with very few deviations. It follows the story almost exactly as the movie while also expanding on a few details about the backstory and the concepts of it. It rather focuses more on the characters and their personalities, which the film doesn't do that much, while staying true to the original characterization and style of the movie.
This is a very short book that's mostly compromised of internal thoughts and dialogue. There's very little action other (just like in the movie) but it still does a good job at showing us an interesting, slightly different side of the story through the lenses of literature.
I did expect this to be a more in-depth dive into the world of Forbidden Planet, but, unfortonately, there is not much else to explore here. The gist is simple: it's the movie but in novel form, and short at it.
This is not one of those groundbreaking and unique novels in the sci-fi genre, and it is rather forgettable as it does sacrifice some things that the movie uses for its own good (like the ambience, the music, and the landscapes) and changes it with more dialogue, sometimes more than needed. I wasn't overly fond of the way the narrative is constructed: instead of following a single POV, each chapter is told from the POV of a different one, except Altaira for some reason. It feels a little broken at times, and while it does give you a better look at how the characters think, you don't really need to know every thought of everyone in the film.
I wouldn't recommend this book to the average sci-fi fan, or even a hardcore one. This one is made for the Forbidden Planet aficionados. If you can't quench that thirst for more Forbidden Planet, than this is a good way to have an extra bite.
Forbidden Planet is one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time. As influential as it is entertaining, it established the foundations for future sci-fi films and changed the way people looked at the genre in films for decades to come. From cheap B-movie slop, to carefully crafted and insightful stories.
The novelization is an accurate retelling of the movie with very few deviations. It follows the story almost exactly as the movie while also expanding on a few details about the backstory and the concepts of it. It rather focuses more on the characters and their personalities, which the film doesn't do that much, while staying true to the original characterization and style of the movie.
This is a very short book that's mostly compromised of internal thoughts and dialogue. There's very little action other (just like in the movie) but it still does a good job at showing us an interesting, slightly different side of the story through the lenses of literature.
I did expect this to be a more in-depth dive into the world of Forbidden Planet, but, unfortonately, there is not much else to explore here. The gist is simple: it's the movie but in novel form, and short at it.
This is not one of those groundbreaking and unique novels in the sci-fi genre, and it is rather forgettable as it does sacrifice some things that the movie uses for its own good (like the ambience, the music, and the landscapes) and changes it with more dialogue, sometimes more than needed. I wasn't overly fond of the way the narrative is constructed: instead of following a single POV, each chapter is told from the POV of a different one, except Altaira for some reason. It feels a little broken at times, and while it does give you a better look at how the characters think, you don't really need to know every thought of everyone in the film.
I wouldn't recommend this book to the average sci-fi fan, or even a hardcore one. This one is made for the Forbidden Planet aficionados. If you can't quench that thirst for more Forbidden Planet, than this is a good way to have an extra bite.
November 7, 2018
The short version first …
Science fiction stories have been around for decades, some of the best written in the 19th Century by authors like Jules Gabriel Verne , H.G. (Herbert George) Wells , and Edgar Rice Burroughs , to name only a few of those better known. The mid-20th Century audience had other media for the genre including feature motion pictures, comic books, and pulp science fiction in both paperbacks and serials. Philip McDonald, however, was better known for his work outside of the genre until the debut of the groundbreaking motion picture and novel entitled Forbidden Planet . For its time, it was groundbreaking using advanced special effects, an eerie soundtrack that future audiences would compare with the synthesized music of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.
The film starred Leslie Nielsen as Commander J.J. Adams, Walter Pidgeon as Dr. Morbius, Anne Francis as Altaira, and a young Earl Holliman as the Bosun and cook. As the story unfolds, a spacecraft, designated as C-57-D, was dispatched from Earth to discover the status of a previously launched vessel, the Bellerophon. Unknown and unexplained tragedy struck the Bellerophon, resulting in the loss of all hands save for Morbius and his daughter, Altaira. Unusual events continue to plague the old and, soon the new crews as well. With the loss of several more of the personnel and Morbius, himself, all falling to the unseen, immense power of the race that inhabited Altair-4 for ages before the Bellerophon arrived. These beings, called the Krell, devised a planetary scale civilization that was beyond immense, literally covering hundreds of square miles in the center of Altair-4.
The book, written by W.J. Stuart – one of Mr. McDonald’s pseudonyms, was a fictionalized account. Based on the logs of the various crew members of the C-57-D, similar in some respects to those that many naval officers and crew are either required by regulations or by their desire to remember their contribution to the operations of their vessels be they either ocean-going or space-faring. These reports or logs maintained by the senior staff provide insight into the vessel’s actions and the crew’s experiences. Provided by officers and some non-commissioned crew, including the medical officer, navigator, chief scientists, and others with responsibilities for the C-57-D, the logs, and related reports provide the substance of the words on the pages one reads.
As such, the book looks at the senior officers as the “reporters” on what when on from their perspective which was very similar to the reports of their colleagues. It was a litany of the mysteries of Altair-4, the Krell, and the unusual events surrounding Dr. Morbius and the malice that the forces beyond the understanding of all except, possibly, the Krell. As a component of the presentation, the reader needs to know that this is a story told from various points of view. As such, it sometimes seems to be fragment thoughts or ideas, but in reality, it is a story of the feelings, experiences, and – in some cases – the fears of those involved in some incredible, unexplainable events on a distant world. The crew and the survivors eventually succumb to the powers contained within Altair-4’s solid interior and the incredible worldly wealth of past experiences held in the various areas known only to the Krell.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
On the standard 5-star evaluation image, this work rates as solid 4. It is clear and concise. It presents a “log-like” view about the events viewed in the film, with an added humanity included in subtle and surprising ways, as you immerse yourself in the story. It is a unique, human means of sharing the thoughts and feelings of the crew on a uniquely dangerous mission. It is no wonder why the planet was destined to explode at the end, as there were just too many secrets and too much engineering that created the Krell interior of Altair-4.
This book is suitable for readers of late middle school and above who like adventure, some intrigue, and a unique approach to the typical “alienness” of science fiction stories. It is worth your while, regardless of your age in middle schools and beyond.
Review of "Forbidden Planet" by Philip MacDonald aka W.J. Stuart by Richard W. Buro is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19168796-forbidden-planet.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at Contact Peril Press for more information..
Science fiction stories have been around for decades, some of the best written in the 19th Century by authors like Jules Gabriel Verne , H.G. (Herbert George) Wells , and Edgar Rice Burroughs , to name only a few of those better known. The mid-20th Century audience had other media for the genre including feature motion pictures, comic books, and pulp science fiction in both paperbacks and serials. Philip McDonald, however, was better known for his work outside of the genre until the debut of the groundbreaking motion picture and novel entitled Forbidden Planet . For its time, it was groundbreaking using advanced special effects, an eerie soundtrack that future audiences would compare with the synthesized music of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.
The film starred Leslie Nielsen as Commander J.J. Adams, Walter Pidgeon as Dr. Morbius, Anne Francis as Altaira, and a young Earl Holliman as the Bosun and cook. As the story unfolds, a spacecraft, designated as C-57-D, was dispatched from Earth to discover the status of a previously launched vessel, the Bellerophon. Unknown and unexplained tragedy struck the Bellerophon, resulting in the loss of all hands save for Morbius and his daughter, Altaira. Unusual events continue to plague the old and, soon the new crews as well. With the loss of several more of the personnel and Morbius, himself, all falling to the unseen, immense power of the race that inhabited Altair-4 for ages before the Bellerophon arrived. These beings, called the Krell, devised a planetary scale civilization that was beyond immense, literally covering hundreds of square miles in the center of Altair-4.
The book, written by W.J. Stuart – one of Mr. McDonald’s pseudonyms, was a fictionalized account. Based on the logs of the various crew members of the C-57-D, similar in some respects to those that many naval officers and crew are either required by regulations or by their desire to remember their contribution to the operations of their vessels be they either ocean-going or space-faring. These reports or logs maintained by the senior staff provide insight into the vessel’s actions and the crew’s experiences. Provided by officers and some non-commissioned crew, including the medical officer, navigator, chief scientists, and others with responsibilities for the C-57-D, the logs, and related reports provide the substance of the words on the pages one reads.
As such, the book looks at the senior officers as the “reporters” on what when on from their perspective which was very similar to the reports of their colleagues. It was a litany of the mysteries of Altair-4, the Krell, and the unusual events surrounding Dr. Morbius and the malice that the forces beyond the understanding of all except, possibly, the Krell. As a component of the presentation, the reader needs to know that this is a story told from various points of view. As such, it sometimes seems to be fragment thoughts or ideas, but in reality, it is a story of the feelings, experiences, and – in some cases – the fears of those involved in some incredible, unexplainable events on a distant world. The crew and the survivors eventually succumb to the powers contained within Altair-4’s solid interior and the incredible worldly wealth of past experiences held in the various areas known only to the Krell.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
On the standard 5-star evaluation image, this work rates as solid 4. It is clear and concise. It presents a “log-like” view about the events viewed in the film, with an added humanity included in subtle and surprising ways, as you immerse yourself in the story. It is a unique, human means of sharing the thoughts and feelings of the crew on a uniquely dangerous mission. It is no wonder why the planet was destined to explode at the end, as there were just too many secrets and too much engineering that created the Krell interior of Altair-4.
This book is suitable for readers of late middle school and above who like adventure, some intrigue, and a unique approach to the typical “alienness” of science fiction stories. It is worth your while, regardless of your age in middle schools and beyond.
Review of "Forbidden Planet" by Philip MacDonald aka W.J. Stuart by Richard W. Buro is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19168796-forbidden-planet.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at Contact Peril Press for more information..
June 29, 2020
I finally got around to reading this. It was a little better than the usual novelization of a movie. MacDonald was an established writer but mostly in the mystery genre. I liked that he took the opportunity to flesh out the movie with additional details. But I didn't enjoy the the multiple first person format he chose. I think it would have worked better using a third person omniscient that would enable the author to reveal what each person was thinking and feeling. I like the narrative by Dr. Ostrow the best and Morbius the least. Morbius was suppose to be an intellectual super genius at this point and that that didn't come across using Morbius' own thoughts and words.
Like most reviewers here I fondly remember the movie which I have seen many times in the past 60 years. I wish I had read the book in 1962 when I was a 15 year and when it would have had the same impact that the movie had. I'm not sure when I first saw the movie. I was only 9 when it was originally released but I believe it would have shown up in Saturday matinees a few years later and then on TV in the early 60's. The most interesting device of the movie and book was the astro-globe for navigation. This was a step up from the usual mid 1950's concept of guys sitting it front of war surplus electronic equipment with lots of toggle switches and oscilloscope screens.
Like most reviewers here I fondly remember the movie which I have seen many times in the past 60 years. I wish I had read the book in 1962 when I was a 15 year and when it would have had the same impact that the movie had. I'm not sure when I first saw the movie. I was only 9 when it was originally released but I believe it would have shown up in Saturday matinees a few years later and then on TV in the early 60's. The most interesting device of the movie and book was the astro-globe for navigation. This was a step up from the usual mid 1950's concept of guys sitting it front of war surplus electronic equipment with lots of toggle switches and oscilloscope screens.
November 23, 2017
I'm amazed, and grateful, that Peril Press dug up this 1950s novelization of one of my favorite classic movies and made it available as an ebook. I also appreciate the way the author takes the story from the film and, without significant changes, puts a new angle on it.
He does this mainly by shifting the point of view from which the story is told. In the film, the protagonist is clearly Captain Adams (young Leslie Nielsen as a proto- James T. Kirk). In the book, though, Adams is kind of an immature jerk and most of the story is told from the point of view of the older, more experienced Doc Ostrow. This pushes several scenes from the film "off camera" from the book's perspective, but it also gives more insight into the wider world the characters live in.
Of course, despite it being the future, it's still the 50s so everyone smokes and girls are just something pretty to chase after. Nevertheless, the writing is above pulp and the freedom of text over mid-century film censors lets MacDonald push the envelope with the gruesomeness of the "monster scenes," even though they take up less real estate in the novel than in the movie.
All in all, a great blast from the past.
He does this mainly by shifting the point of view from which the story is told. In the film, the protagonist is clearly Captain Adams (young Leslie Nielsen as a proto- James T. Kirk). In the book, though, Adams is kind of an immature jerk and most of the story is told from the point of view of the older, more experienced Doc Ostrow. This pushes several scenes from the film "off camera" from the book's perspective, but it also gives more insight into the wider world the characters live in.
Of course, despite it being the future, it's still the 50s so everyone smokes and girls are just something pretty to chase after. Nevertheless, the writing is above pulp and the freedom of text over mid-century film censors lets MacDonald push the envelope with the gruesomeness of the "monster scenes," even though they take up less real estate in the novel than in the movie.
All in all, a great blast from the past.
February 1, 2015
Although I must have seen the movie a hundred times, this is the first time I came across the book and I snapped it up on first sight. I wasn't disappointed. Like many books adapted to movies, Forbidden Planet adds details that make the story far more engaging. For one thing, the story is told from the POV of main characters, as George R. R. Martin does in the Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) series. I especially liked the portrayal of the doctor and the captain. In the book, the doctor is fortyish and the captain and the rest of the crew are kids to him. On the other hand, they are all old hands at space travel and he's on his first voyage. The book adds several dimensions to the story. It's a quick read, but more than worth the time.
March 3, 2015
I have always considered the movie this is based on to be part of the trinity of classic SF movies. How I managed to wait until now to read this is beyond me. Certainly I could have read it forty years ago but... It is an interesting take on the film, novelizing and adding to the story some - both for good and bad. Familiar enough to be like an old friend, but new enough to hold interest. I would have preferred not having the POV shift from one chapter to the next but I get what the author was trying to do even if I didn't care for it. It gets a five if for nothing other than sentimental value.
February 28, 2014
The novelization of the movie is written in various first person accounts (Morbius, Commander Adams, etc.) It fills in some gaps, but overall is simply inferior to the movie. The biggest difference, for me, is that the movie has a strong sense of original sin - as found in the id (something we tend to lack today), while the book shifts the focus to the Krell and Morbius trying to usurp the power of God (villains frequently are prideful enough to do this, so it is a common theme). So there are some strong religious undertones in both, but a very flavor.
July 23, 2017
The novelization was written after the motion picture was complete, but before its premier. Though there are a few minor discrepancies, it remains faithful to the original story, even expanding on some ideas that were left incomplete or unexamined. The movie is among my favorites, and the novel only adds to my enjoyment. Five stars from a nostalgic fan.
May 7, 2014
Excellent story
Excellent story
I absolutely loved this book. Forbidden Planet is my favorite movie, and I was extremely pleased to find it in book form. Very true to the movie storyline, fast reading. A must for all fans of old sci-fi classics.
Excellent story
I absolutely loved this book. Forbidden Planet is my favorite movie, and I was extremely pleased to find it in book form. Very true to the movie storyline, fast reading. A must for all fans of old sci-fi classics.
March 18, 2018
This book only differs from the move in a couple of places. There's an extra death that's not in the movie and the scenes with the drunk cook aren't played for laughs here.
A sound read, a bit dry in places.
A sound read, a bit dry in places.
February 14, 2015
Good, but not as good as the classic movie.
June 27, 2016
the writing is average but some interesting differences and elaborations on the film, notably that Altaira's animal friends are all creations of Morbius's mind
July 18, 2017
When Commander Adams and the crew of Spaceship C-57-D land on Altair 4, they are going to find a strange world and the evil Dr. Morbius in charge. Classic sci-fi!
August 10, 2020
As good a read as the movie is too watch. A classic Sci-Fi novel that is ahead of it's time. Well paced and interesting enough to keep you reading. There are a few differences from the movie, but nothing that effects any real change. If you have read the book but have not seen the movie or vise-a-versa try it and you will find it just as enjoyable.
April 28, 2016
The Movie is better
Perhaps it's because I've loved the movie for so long, or perhaps it's because this is written oddly and adds unnecessary components, but the movie is far more entertaining.
Perhaps it's because I've loved the movie for so long, or perhaps it's because this is written oddly and adds unnecessary components, but the movie is far more entertaining.
September 17, 2025
This novel is actually a novelization of the famous American film Forbidden Planet, released in 1956 and directed by Fred McLeod Wilcox. The book faithfully follows the plot of the movie while enriching it with additional details about the universe and its characters.
The story takes place on Altair IV, a distant planet where the starship C-57-D is sent to investigate a vanished scientific expedition. Commander Adams and his crew discover Professor Morbius, the sole survivor, living with his daughter Altaira and an impressive robot named Robby.
I absolutely loved this novel, which masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and classic science fiction. It delves into profound themes such as the limits of human knowledge, the hidden dangers of technology.
The story takes place on Altair IV, a distant planet where the starship C-57-D is sent to investigate a vanished scientific expedition. Commander Adams and his crew discover Professor Morbius, the sole survivor, living with his daughter Altaira and an impressive robot named Robby.
I absolutely loved this novel, which masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and classic science fiction. It delves into profound themes such as the limits of human knowledge, the hidden dangers of technology.
August 11, 2021
Spaceship C-57D is ordered to the planet Altair IV to discover the fate of the 'Bellerophon', whose status is unknown following a mission to the same planet. On arrival, Dr Morbius informs Commander John J Adams that the 'Bellerophon' was destroyed by a mysterious force when it attempted to leave the planet, leaving Morbius and his daughter as the only survivors.
MacDonald's novelisation of the SF classic sticks closely to its roots, but uses the different points of view of the main characters to make the narration more involving. With its grand Shakespearean themes and its views that man should not take on the powers of God, you can see its influence on the later 'Star Trek'.
MacDonald's novelisation of the SF classic sticks closely to its roots, but uses the different points of view of the main characters to make the narration more involving. With its grand Shakespearean themes and its views that man should not take on the powers of God, you can see its influence on the later 'Star Trek'.
October 7, 2021
Fleshes out the movie nicely
I had only ever watched the movie, not read the book. Forbidden Planet is in my top 3 movies of all time to this day.
Reading the book gave me more background on what the characters were thinking and really fleshed out the story. And the movie differed somewhat from the book but not fundamentally in my opinion. It's kinda like two different witnesses describing the event.... Both are true, though they disagree on some points.
Bottom line if you have only watched the movie and loved it, then you will truly love the book
I had only ever watched the movie, not read the book. Forbidden Planet is in my top 3 movies of all time to this day.
Reading the book gave me more background on what the characters were thinking and really fleshed out the story. And the movie differed somewhat from the book but not fundamentally in my opinion. It's kinda like two different witnesses describing the event.... Both are true, though they disagree on some points.
Bottom line if you have only watched the movie and loved it, then you will truly love the book
December 28, 2025
Ça fait très science fiction des années 60’s! On peut imaginer les décors en papier mâché!
Aussi, quand même très sexiste comme roman!
Aussi, quand même très sexiste comme roman!
November 13, 2025
It's a very well done novelization of a classic film. I was especially fond of presenting several different narratives across the story, and some of the additional details that flesh out the film's themes, especially towards the end. It isn't a game changer of a book for me, but still recommended reading for fans of Forbidden Planet, and early Star Trek.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews