Mysterious Island (1961)

During the US Civil War, Union POWs escape in a balloon and end up stranded on a South Pacific island, inhabited by giant plants and animals. They must use their ingenuity to survive the ... See full summary »

Director:

Cy Endfield

Writers:

John Prebble (screenplay), Daniel B. Ullman (screenplay),

Stars:

Michael Craig, Joan Greenwood, Michael Callan

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Michael Craig	...	Capt. Cyrus Harding
Joan Greenwood	...	Lady Mary Fairchild
Michael Callan	...	Herbert Brown
Gary Merrill	...	Gideon Spilitt
Herbert Lom	...	Captain Nemo
Beth Rogan	...	Elena Fairchild
Percy Herbert	...	Sgt. Pencroft
Dan Jackson	...	Cpl. Neb Nugent

Storyline

During the US Civil War, Union POWs escape in a balloon and end up stranded on a South Pacific island, inhabited by giant plants and animals. They must use their ingenuity to survive the dangers, and to devise a way to return home. Sequel to '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' .

---

Plot Keywords:

island | escape | pirate | submarine | volcano | 

---

Taglines:

A world beyond imagination! Adventure beyond belief!

---

Genres:

Adventure | Family | Sci-Fi | Fantasy

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 December 1961 (USA)

Also Known As:

L'île mystérieuse

Filming Locations:

Benidorm, Alicante, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ameran Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The scenes on the island were actually filmed on the coast of Spain.

---

Goofs

After eating the giant crab, the five castaways begin climbing the volcano. In one long shot, a sixth shirtless person (apparently a crewmember) appears from behind a rock for a few seconds.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Confederate soldier: All right, now get down.

---

Connections

Referenced in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

---

Soundtracks

"Toccata and Fugue"
in D Minor, BWV 565
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Played on organ by Captain Nemo

User Reviews

They don't make 'em like this anymore....and that's a shame!

While most critics, and fans alike, consider Harryhausen's "Jason and the Argonauts" (released two years later) to be the apex of the special effects master's career, "Mysterious Island" stands as one of his best, also. Loosely based on the Jules Verne 19th century novel, the film boasts some memorable special effects wizardry: an awesome escape from a Confederate prison via balloon, the giant crab, the prehistoric "chicken," the bees, and a cool Nautilus - closely resembling Disney's version from "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." The cast is good, beginning with Michael Craig as the leader of the band of island dwellers. Gary Merrill, who at once was the husband of legend Bette Davis, as well as her co-star in "All About Eve," is effective as the war correspondent that serves as the voice of reason among the band, along with being the group's cook. Herbert Lom does a great "Nemo," significantly different from James Mason's interpretation in the Disney classic. English actress Joan Greenwood is appropriately aristocratic as "Lady Fairchild." But, it is Harryhausen's effects, along with Bernard Herrmann's brilliant score, that elevate this to one of the best fantasies of the 60's.

Filmed at a brisk pace, the story never lets up, keeping the viewer captivated until the thrilling conclusion.