The Lost World (1925) 7.0
The first film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novel about a land where prehistoric creatures still roam. Director:Harry O. Hoyt |
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The Lost World (1925) 7.0
The first film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novel about a land where prehistoric creatures still roam. Director:Harry O. Hoyt |
|
| 0Share... |
| Complete credited cast: | |||
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Bessie Love | ... |
Paula White
(as Miss Bessie Love)
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Lewis Stone | ... |
Sir John Roxton
(as Mr. Lewis Stone)
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| Wallace Beery | ... |
Professor Challenger
(as Mr. Wallace Beery)
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Lloyd Hughes | ... |
Ed Malone
(as Mr. Lloyd Hughes)
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Alma Bennett | ... |
Gladys Hungerford
(as Miss Alma Bennett)
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Arthur Hoyt | ... |
Professor Summerlee
(as Mr. Arthur Hoyt)
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Margaret McWade | ... |
Mrs. Challenger
(as Miss Margaret McWade)
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Bull Montana | ... |
Ape-man
(as Mr. Bull Montana)
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Frank Finch Smiles | ... |
Austin
(as Mr. Finch Smiles)
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Jules Cowles | ... |
Zambo
(as Mr. Jules Cowles)
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George Bunny | ... |
Colin McArdle
(as Mr. George Bunny)
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Charles Wellesley | ... |
Major Hibbard
(as Mr. Charles Wellsley)
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Jocko the Monkey | ... |
Himself
(as Jocko)
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Arthur Conan Doyle | ... |
Himself
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Explorer Professor Challenger is taking quite a beating in the London press thanks to his claim that living dinosaurs exist in the far reaches of the Amazon. Newspaper reporter Edward Malone learns that this claim originates from a diary given to him by fellow explorer Maple White's daughter, Paula. Malone's paper funds an expedition to rescue Maple White, who has been marooned at the top of a high plateau. Joined by renowned hunter John Roxton, and others, the group goes to South America, where they do indeed find a plateau inhabited by pre-historic creatures, one of which they even manage to bring back to London with them. Written by Ron Kerrigan <mvg@whidbey.com>
Although the existing versions all have missing portions, and although the film is obviously old-fashioned in several respects, the original "The Lost World" is still a fine film and very entertaining. It has an exciting and interesting story with some good characters and acting, and the dinosaur action, terrific for its time, is still quite watchable.
Besides the adventure story about dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, there is also some decent human drama with a few interesting characters. The earnest young journalist out to prove himself, the bad-tempered but brilliant scientist, the devoted daughter searching for her missing father, and the rest, are all slightly exaggerated, but most also contain some real substance. There is a good cast to bring these characters to life.
Naturally, the animals are the big stars, and although the special effects do not compare with what is done today, the dinosaur action is still creative, entertaining and worth watching. There are also some good shots of live animals living in the Amazon area where the expedition takes place.
This is certainly recommended for those who enjoy silent films. It would also be interesting viewing for those who are more used to modern films of the genre - you'll see a lot of the ideas that were later used in films that are more familiar today.