She also saved the world in “The Day the Earth Stood Still”.
Klaatu barada nikto!
I was surprised that this was the first mention. She was a science fiction icon for that role, and really carried the “human” side of the movie in her supporting role. It was rare to see a woman in a sci fi movie of the time who was intelligent, strong and courageous.
As an aside, since the screenwriters were intent on making Klaatu a Jesus allegory, in a way this would have cast her in the Mary Magdalene role.