Mysterious Island (1961)

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Cy Endfield directed this non-Disney sequel to "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" also set during the Civil War by author Jules Verne. A group of Union soldiers escape from a Confederate prison in a nearby hot air balloon, only to float over the ocean into the south seas, where they land on the mysterious island of the title. There, they discover a land of giant animals, like a chicken and lobster, as well as the remains of pirates, who will later return to the island, which is their occasional hideout from the authorities. As if that wasn't enough, a volcano threatens to erupt, and then Captain Nemo(played by Herbert Lom, in place of James Mason) turns up... Exciting and well-made film has excellent F/X by Ray Harryhausen and an engrossing story with few lulls. A real classic of its kind, fine for adults as well as kids.

I remember seeing this movie as an end-of-term film at school MANY years ago.I have, of course, seen it many times since, and I have fond memories of it.I won't go over the synopsis of the movie; it's been said here many times.However, I must say that on reading the book, the movie is really a pale imitation! The book is awesome IMHO.For those who don't read or can't be bothered to read the book (it is a VERY LONG book!), you can also get the audio version from LibraVox.This is also an excellent listen.

Compared with other Ray Harryhausen pictures, like the Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, I prefer Mysterious Island. Not because of the effects, but because this movie is actually exciting and well acted / directed. Unlike the very cheesy (still great though in its own right) Seventh Voyage. For example the escape in the balloon delivers some exciting moments and other adventures on the island as well. Great voice over as well, during some scenes. Love the background paintings of the volcano/island. Nice atmosphere, and a great great score form Bernard Herrmann. (my favourite Herrmann score, its rousing!) For those who like the score... there is an absolutely great new re-recording available, spot on performance and conducting. (label: Tribute Film Classics), a work of love. Google it up, enjoy! Highly recommended. (no affiliation)

It's the time of the American Civil War.Union soldiers escape from a Confederate prison camp in a hot air balloon.They end up on a deserted island where they're surrounded by giant animals and a volcano that's about to erupt.Soon they'e joined by two ladies which makes it all more interesting.And there's somebody hiding there in the island.That's Captain Nemo who has his Nautilus inside a cave.Cy Enfield's Mysterious Island (1961) is based on Jules Verne's novel from 1874.I have read some fantastic books by Verne but have not yet touched this one.The movie looks very good.The special effects wizard Ray Harryhausen was behind the visual effects that are amazing looking from that time's point of view.In the movie Captain Cyrus Harding is played by Michael Craig.Joan Greenwood with her husky voice plays Lady Mary Fairchild.Beth Rogan as Elena Fairchild is beautiful and very attractive in her short buckskin minidress.Michael Callan is Herbert Brown.Gary Merrill plays the role of Gideon Spilitt.Percy Herbert is Sergeant Pencroft.Dan Jackson plays Corporal Neb Nugent.In the role of Captain Nemo we see the magnificent Herbert Lom with a gray hair and beard.Mysterious Island offers many thrilling scenes.We get to see fighting with a giant crab and insect or a bird.Enjoy this magical ride among those creatures on the deserted island.