The accent is on fun and fantasy in this film version of Jules Verne's classic thriller that stars James Mason, Pat Boone, and Arlene Dahl. With spectacular visuals as a backdrop, the story centers on an expedition led by Professor Lindenbrook (Mason) down into the earth's dark, threat-laden core. Members of the group include the professor's star student, Alec (Boone), and the widow (Dahl) of a colleague. Along the way lurk dangers such as kidnapping, death, sabotage by a rival explorer, and attacks by giant prehistoric reptiles. But they also encounter such magnificent wonders as a glistening cavern of quartz crystals, luminescent algae, a forest of giant mushrooms, and the lost city of Atlantis.
Remaining faithful to Verne's story, this is a sweeping adventure that offers enough thrills and entertainment to satisfy every explorer in the family.
James Mason plays Professor Oliver Lindenbrook, a scientist hoping to find the world's core in this 1959 adaptation of the Jules Verne novel. He leads his unusual party on an expedition to the center of the earth, by way of a volcano in Iceland. On the way, they encounter enormous mushrooms and giant prehistoric monsters. Produced by Michael Todd with then-spectacular special effects, the story was modernized to 1950s sensibilities. Mason gives this class, while Arlene Dahl and Diane Baker are the romantic interests. And Pat Boone is more palatable than you might expect as a secondary lead. You can watch this with your children and not be bored, and they will surely love it. --Rochelle O'Gorman
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
awesome:
one of the best movies out there. if you love sci-fi then this one is for you.
The Still-Entertaining 50s Sci-Fi/Adventure Classic:
I remember this movie vividly from my childhood and its frequent TV reruns, this one and the 1954 classic--whaddaya know, also starring James Mason, and adapted from Jules Verne--20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. Both are classics with giant monsters, super-cool fantasy vistas, and good, red-blooded adventure. This film endures to this day as largely harmless family fare; my 10- and 12-year-olds even enjoyed it. The story: there's a big hole, and some intrepid European scientists crawl on down inside... more info
A good film version of Vern's book:
I purchased this version of "Journey" to compare with the recent re-release. It held up well. Boone's role was weak but he was just cast for the fan appeal he'd bring being the current 1959 heart-throb. Mason, as usual, took the role seriouly and carried the sci-fi story along with assurance. The scene stealer though was the duck. This movie was a lot of fun to watch. It was solidly scripted, acted and the sets were awsome for 1959.
Classic video:
I saw this movie on TV and wanted a good old fashioned adventure movie that the whole family could enjoy and the interest level is high for kids of all ages.
