I remember this being made and released back in the early 80's. Pre-production was dominated by the ban on Clayton Moore wearing the black mask which seemed petty and spiteful (because it was), during production stories appeared about the behavior of Klinton Spilsbury on and off set which lost him a lot of good will as a first-time actor in a major role (even worse than George Lazenby's roasting as the first non-Connery James Bond), and on release everyone was completely underwhelmed and another nail was put in the coffin of Lew Grade becoming a Hollywood mogul, coming right after the previous year's 'Raise the Titanic!'.
And yet... and yet... the movie isn't actually that bad. The production values are very good and the direction, photography and editing are generally excellent. The central plot is also intriguing. The only problem is you feel these qualities were wasted on the slow development of the story, and the performances of the lead actors. The politest word for these would be "uncharismatic".
Juanin Clay is lovely to look at but is she changes from being a feisty independent-minded type to a fluttering Victorian maiden as soon as Klinton Spilsbury flashes his perfect, white teeth at her. As for Spilsbury himself, there is more life in the rock formations of Monument Valley than he can bring to the screen.
Overall, the film is worth seeing at least once, but as a film fan you will have to be prepared to contain your frustration at seeing good film-making thrown away in a second-rate effort.
And yet... and yet... the movie isn't actually that bad. The production values are very good and the direction, photography and editing are generally excellent. The central plot is also intriguing. The only problem is you feel these qualities were wasted on the slow development of the story, and the performances of the lead actors. The politest word for these would be "uncharismatic".
Juanin Clay is lovely to look at but is she changes from being a feisty independent-minded type to a fluttering Victorian maiden as soon as Klinton Spilsbury flashes his perfect, white teeth at her. As for Spilsbury himself, there is more life in the rock formations of Monument Valley than he can bring to the screen.
Overall, the film is worth seeing at least once, but as a film fan you will have to be prepared to contain your frustration at seeing good film-making thrown away in a second-rate effort.