Journey to the Center of the Earth

source: Journey to the Center of the Earth

Trailer—Journey to the Center of the Earth

Journey to the Center of the Earth

I have always loved this movie. I have it on tape and have almost worn it out. Time to look for a DVD. THe performances are top notch. Even though Pat Boone falls in and out of his accent he does a creditable job as a Scot. Looks very dashing in the Glendarroch tartan! Jenny sounds like she's from America. They needed a scene where someone explains that Jenny is Uncle Oliver's niece from Kansas. Arlene Dahl was always a favorite in the 50s and 60s as a strong woman. James Mason is excellent as always. Loved the duck, Gertrude! When I saw this movie as a child, I wanted a duck for a pet. My mother was smart enough to refuse.

I was barely old enough to speak when I first saw this film. It enchanted me completely with its jaw-dropping visualization of a trip to the center of the Earth. Never mind that the Earth's center is far from hollow. I wanted to believe Verne's version of events, just as I was only too eager to buy into Burroughs' account of life in Pellucidar, another land located within the Earth's core. The film is directed with great affection and respect for the source material by Henry Levin and solidly anchored by James Mason. The special effects by L.B. Abbott, the genius behind "Planet of the Apes" and "Lost in Space" (the TV series), were state of the art for the time and are even impressive today. The raft sequence in the inland sea is a fine piece of suspense and, like the rest of the film, possesses a magical sense of wonder and excitement. Bernard Herrmann's score is marvelous and perfectly captures the breathtaking spirit of the adventure. Superb!

While this film suffers from some annoying "cuteness" and has lizards parading as dinosaurs, it is nonetheless the best film version of the novel because Verne's themes of exploration and discovery remain. Bernard Herrmann's score is indeed fantastic and this film has a wonderful pace. The cast here is also very talented and the film is so well made one can forgive it its minor flaws.

"Journey to the center of the Earth" is a successful adaptation of Jules Verne's famous novel. Apart from a few weaknesses (the love affair between Alex and his girlfriend), this is one of the science-fiction's highlights: awesome sceneries, stunning special effects (the dinosaurs) and especially an imposing performance of James Mason. The whole also introduces a touch of humor and gives a movie which Jules Verne would have probably liked.

Though very different from the original book, none-the-less, it captivates any viewer. Well let me re-phrase that -- any viewer who is older than 30. The children who's current tastes run bloody and gory, will not understand the 'grand epic' this film was in 1959. Frankly I'm shocked that younger people have no respect for older films. Such a shame that carnage and computer special effects are more important than an unfolding story, which Journey to the Center of the Earth does so well. From Bernard Herrmann's ominous music to the B-grade dinosaurs, it's quaint and family friendly story featuring James Mason, who decidedly lends class to the project, the youthful Pat Boone, this movie should be in everyone's collection who has children.