Updated: December 08, 2008

Original 82-inch diameter hero "United Planets Cruiser C-57D" flying saucer filming miniature from Forbidden Planet. (MGM, 1956) This incredible piece was believed to have been lost forever, only to be recently "discovered" since being sold in 1970 at the MGM auction.

This is the principle filming miniature used in the groundbreaking 1956 science fiction classic, Forbidden Planet. Constructed of wood, steel and fiberglass, this silver ship is a marvel of 1950s engineering.

The central landing base extends from the bottom of the craft by internal movement mechanisms with electric motor drive, as does the ladder and two conveyer-loading ramps. One of the most dramatic scenes in the film is when the C-57D lands on planet Altair IV and the appendages unfold.

Following its use in Forbidden Planet, MGM pressed this ship back into service in six episodes of The Twilight Zone, which demanded use of a space ship. The top central dome has been faithfully recreated per the original blueprints from the film; otherwise, the craft remains in its original condition. The significance of this science fiction filming miniature cannot be overstated. An icon among icons.

Value $80,000 - $120,000