I've always been a fan of creature features, but have never heard of this gem.
Especially with the unusually color, and miniaturization. It was a groundbreaking film, evidently quite expensive to film at the time, but has been lost behind other flims, or have I just missed it?
I don't know your age, but it hasn't exactly been hiding. It's not really shown on tv much anymore because despite it's significance, it's pretty slow at times and most of the acting isn't going to win any awards. Albert Dekker brings a great physical presence to the title role though. I still wonder what happened to Pedro's dog as I always forget to check if the dog is in the last scene.
shareI'm 55 and watched Creature Features every Saturday they were on in the 60's. Maybe I did see it but don't remember since we didn't have a color TV till '72.
It would seem this movie would be mentioned along with Land of the Giants, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, or The Fly.
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I saw this 10 years ago while channel-hopping. It's a great film, especially for 1940. What I really like is there are NO CELEBRITIES in the parts, so there is no over-acting. And the special effects are amazing, except for a few rear-projection cheap effects. I love how simple movies were back then, it made them much more enjoyable to watch. The actor that played Dr. Cyclops was perfect for the role!
share"There are NO CELEBRITIES in the parts, so there is no overacting".
Except for the mad scientist guy who's total ham... and the ridiculous, arrogantly gibbering "good scientist" with his pointy little beard? As well as the rest of the stock characters running around and mouthing their incredibly cheesy dialogue, really.
Plus I don't really follow the logic here - it's apparently a given that the "celebrities" ie the big movie stars/outstanding actors, I presume, would engage in some terrible overacting once let loose on a film set... They really have no clue, do they?
"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan
Except for the mad scientist guy who's total ham...