Journey To The Center Of The Earth (1959)

Journey to the Center of the Earth, released in 1959 is a film adaptation of the Jules Verne novel of the same name. This film adaptation was written by Chales Brakett and Verne historian Charles Reisch, and starred James Mason as Dr Lindenbrook, Pat Boone as Alec McEwan, Arlene Dahl as Carla Gotenborg, and Peter Ronson (Petur Rognvaldsson) as Hans. It is interest Icelandic born Peter Ronson only ever appeared in this film, and is also credited as a technical adviser for the film. He is more famous for being an Olympic Athlete. This is also sadly the only science fiction film that Pat Boone ever appeared in, which is a shame because he played his role so well, and so convincingly. Pat Boone had to be persuaded to play the role, but after the film was made, said that he was glad that he did it. Part of having Pat Boone included in the film, was that he got to sing a few songs in the film, which is what gave the film a borderline musical feel to it, that I honestly feel worked really well for the film.

As a film adaption of the book, it only took inspiration and basic story line from the book, but much of it was either invented or changed in the film, but I feel that it captures the true feeling of the book. So it is more a stylistic adaptation than a true adaptation, which was very common with films of the time period. As a film, the movie is fantastic! There are great characters, who interact with each other in a very human and believable way. The story is engaging, and exciting, with a fast pace, which I feel is also very true of the book. The characters are all very well cast, and do a great job at playing their characters very well, especially with Pat Boone, and Peter Ronson's part. I do like that the character of Hans doesn't speak English, which I feel lends to the believably of the story, because if you were in Iceland, why would everyone Speak English, which story-wise created the necessity for the Dr. Lindenbrook to accept his dead rival's wife Carla as part of the expedition. The sets were beautiful, and definitely showed off the beautiful technicolor of the time period. It at times felt like they purposely used as many colours as possible to fully utilize the new colour technology that was being used in films of the time, which is very characteristic of films of that time period. Also the practical effects looked beautiful (obviously dated of course), I like the use of CinemaScope which allowed for a wider aspect ratio, that helped to capture the amazing sets that were created, or filmed on. Some of the film was shot at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, to capture the beautiful cavern interior shots, and others were shot on sound stages. I love the effects of the dinosaurs, which were made by filming live rhinoceros iguanas with prosthetic make up appliances glued on to their backs. They could have easily used stop motion animation, but chose to use live lizards, and I feel that this added a certain practical charm to the film. The way that they shot these scenes splicing together the lizards and the human characters and sets in a way that was nearly seamless, to make it look like they were giant dinosaurs was quite beautiful. I mean if you don't appreciate classic effects magic, and judge it by modern movie standards, I could see that these effects might come across cheesy, but try to put yourself in the shoes of a kid who saved up their paper route money to see this film in 1959, who got to see these amazing dinosaurs that are alive on the screen, and how they realistically looked on the screen with the human actors, towering over them. Imagine seeing the amazing caverns of the center of the earth open before you on that big screen. To me, I can see it in those terms, and this film is so beauitful to watch.

This film was successful in the box office and received mostly praise from the critics. I still think that this is the best version of Jules Verne's classic novel to be presented on the big screen so far. I am a huge fan of the book, I read it the first time while in the hospital, and it is honestly one of my favourite books, and that being said, I will say that I absolutely love this version of it. At first when I saw Pat Boone was in it, I was expecting it to be a musical, and figured it would be really cheesy, but honestly, I was very surprised, and the songs that are included to not distract from the story but honestly enhance the story. I honestly can find very few faults with this version of the story, other than it was changed for the film from the book, but it is still super well done and a great film.

Would I recommend this film? Yes, I feel like this is a must see film. I feel like this is a film that can be loved by all ages. This is a film that a family could sit down and watch together, with grandma all the way to the little kids, and that there is something for everyone to enjoy. I think kids would love the images, the dinosaurs, and Gertrude the duck, while Grandma might be loving the nostalgia of seeing a classic from her childhood, digitally remastered and looking better than ever. If you get a chance to see this great film, don't pass it up. This is a film I look forward to sharing with my friends, whenever I get a chance, and one that I will review regularly. Definitely a treasured addition to my film collection, and I hope I help you to fall in love with this beautiful film as well.