In the middle of the Victorian Era the inventor of a newfangled balloon is set in a race against organized slavers who mean to set up their own kingdom. It all depends on whether the British (who long since abolished their slave trade) or the slavers plant their flag first. Slavers with a flag? Well, as with any other movie you have to buy into its logic. It's the same with "The Godfather" or "Star Wars." (The slavers are led by a wordless Mike Mazurki).
Cedric Hardwicke (father of "Doctor Watson" Edward) is the inventor. He made a splash in "Around the World in 80 Days"; and, while a fine actor in his prime, here has a rather peekaboo, now you see it, now you don't, Scottish accent.
Richard Haydn, using his "Carp" voice, is a constant delight as the Victorian envoy. He's the best thing in the film.
After his Oscar win in "Sayonara," Red Buttons went from comic to leading man material. Lots of comics made that transition. Buttons' character is sailing as a reporter, and he's also the expedition's primary cause of trouble. He can be funny, cause difficulties through sheer stupidity, yet be a viable lover of Barbara Eden. But because this movie has its eye mostly on family viewing, all the sexual interest between Buttons and Eden, Fabian and Luna, is pretty chaste.
Songster Fabian is aboard as the Professor's assistant. Why not? Think Elvis, Sinatra or Dean Martin. Only, with Fabian, lightning didn't exactly strike and he made comparatively few movies.
Along the way they pick up the Barbaras, Luna and Eden. If you thought Barbara Eden looked good in a harem costume, try her in a shirt and trousers. They also pick up a chimp who is the primary scene stealer. And an elderly Peter Lorre, who gets some of the best lines.
After the success of "Around the World in 80 Days" Jules Verne became a hot commodity. His books were more or less adapted for movies (in this case, less; but this book desperately needed augmentation). This flick has a similar globe-trotting appeal, this time on the cheap, with cute second-unit shots of Africa inserted. And a few (very few) awesome special effects shots.
One warning: the North Africans are mostly presented as Moslems and slave-traders. Why not? The Moslems had a thriving African slave trade before Europeans had ships that went that far; and, in case you don't know, still do. One would think a movie that does nothing but reiterate slavery=bad and pound wood on the theme would have more appeal.
Anyway, if you're not the sort who hides under the bed and make noises like dust bunnies when confronted with history or ideas that make you uncomfortable, you might enjoy this. Though it was made a long time ago now, and to some people "old" must be bad. I'm 62 right now and I get enough of that personally.
I'm only describing this at length because I don't want you to waste time on movies you won't enjoy. It's been a favorite adventure of mine since I was a boy.
Cedric Hardwicke (father of "Doctor Watson" Edward) is the inventor. He made a splash in "Around the World in 80 Days"; and, while a fine actor in his prime, here has a rather peekaboo, now you see it, now you don't, Scottish accent.
Richard Haydn, using his "Carp" voice, is a constant delight as the Victorian envoy. He's the best thing in the film.
After his Oscar win in "Sayonara," Red Buttons went from comic to leading man material. Lots of comics made that transition. Buttons' character is sailing as a reporter, and he's also the expedition's primary cause of trouble. He can be funny, cause difficulties through sheer stupidity, yet be a viable lover of Barbara Eden. But because this movie has its eye mostly on family viewing, all the sexual interest between Buttons and Eden, Fabian and Luna, is pretty chaste.
Songster Fabian is aboard as the Professor's assistant. Why not? Think Elvis, Sinatra or Dean Martin. Only, with Fabian, lightning didn't exactly strike and he made comparatively few movies.
Along the way they pick up the Barbaras, Luna and Eden. If you thought Barbara Eden looked good in a harem costume, try her in a shirt and trousers. They also pick up a chimp who is the primary scene stealer. And an elderly Peter Lorre, who gets some of the best lines.
After the success of "Around the World in 80 Days" Jules Verne became a hot commodity. His books were more or less adapted for movies (in this case, less; but this book desperately needed augmentation). This flick has a similar globe-trotting appeal, this time on the cheap, with cute second-unit shots of Africa inserted. And a few (very few) awesome special effects shots.
One warning: the North Africans are mostly presented as Moslems and slave-traders. Why not? The Moslems had a thriving African slave trade before Europeans had ships that went that far; and, in case you don't know, still do. One would think a movie that does nothing but reiterate slavery=bad and pound wood on the theme would have more appeal.
Anyway, if you're not the sort who hides under the bed and make noises like dust bunnies when confronted with history or ideas that make you uncomfortable, you might enjoy this. Though it was made a long time ago now, and to some people "old" must be bad. I'm 62 right now and I get enough of that personally.
I'm only describing this at length because I don't want you to waste time on movies you won't enjoy. It's been a favorite adventure of mine since I was a boy.