Die geheimnisvolle Insel (1961)

Die geheimnisvolle Insel: Directed by Cy Endfield. With Michael Craig, Joan Greenwood, Michael Callan, Gary Merrill. During the Civil War a group of Union soldiers and two Confederates escape the stockade using a hot air balloon and end up on a strange Pacific island.

“While most critics, and fans alike, consider Harryhausenu0026#39;s u0026quot;Jason and the Argonautsu0026quot; (released two years later) to be the apex of the special effects masteru0026#39;s career, u0026quot;Mysterious Islandu0026quot; stands as one of his best, also. Loosely based on the Jules Verne 19th century novel, the film boasts some memorable special effects wizardry: an awesome escape from a Confederate prison via balloon, the giant crab, the prehistoric u0026quot;chicken,u0026quot; the bees, and a cool Nautilus – closely resembling Disneyu0026#39;s version from u0026quot;20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.u0026quot; The cast is good, beginning with Michael Craig as the leader of the band of island dwellers. Gary Merrill, who at once was the husband of legend Bette Davis, as well as her co-star in u0026quot;All About Eve,u0026quot; is effective as the war correspondent that serves as the voice of reason among the band, along with being the groupu0026#39;s cook. Herbert Lom does a great u0026quot;Nemo,u0026quot; significantly different from James Masonu0026#39;s interpretation in the Disney classic. English actress Joan Greenwood is appropriately aristocratic as u0026quot;Lady Fairchild.u0026quot; But, it is Harryhausenu0026#39;s effects, along with Bernard Herrmannu0026#39;s brilliant score, that elevate this to one of the best fantasies of the 60u0026#39;s.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFilmed at a brisk pace, the story never lets up, keeping the viewer captivated until the thrilling conclusion.”