The first good movie to come from a novel.

Journey to the center of the earth was a novel written by Jules Verne. The story was so good that Walter Reisch made a scene play. The movie was released in 1960 and was classified as an adventure family film. This 132 minute adventure into the unknown is still a classic today. There have been many movies made with the same name but none can come close this the original tale.

Sir Oliver S. Lindenbrook is played by James Mason. Mason brings this character to life in a way that only he can. He is a Scottish professor with very Scottish mannerisms. Professor Lindenbrook is very dedicated to his work and he has a one track mind.

Alexander McKuen is played by Pat Boone. In this film Pat Boone shows that not only can he sing but he is also a good actor. Alexander McKuen also goes by Alec in this movie. The boy is in love with Sir Oliver's niece. He is just embarrassed by his lack of money. You see he is attending college and he must repay his family for his education. He idolizes Sir Oliver.


Diane Baker plays Jenny Lindenbrook. She is a very sweet young lady that would like nothing more than for Alec to be her husband. Alec will finally tell her that he is going to ask Sir Oliver for her hand but he just doesn't get around to it till later.

Carla Goteborg is played by Arlene Dahl. You see Mrs. Goteborg is sent for because he husband died. When she meets Mr. Lindenbrook for the first time she thinks he is trying to steal her husbands expedition. That is right Mr Goteborg was planing to go to the center of the Earth. It is not till after she reads her husbands diaries that she finds out her husband stole the idea and instructions from Sir Oliver Lindenbrook in the first place. Carla is a very stubborn woman and she intends to join the Lindenbrook expedition to the center of the Earth no matter what.

Hans Belker is a very large young man played by Peter Ronson. Hans doesn't speak English at all. He is from Iceland and only speaks Icelandic. Only Carla Goteborg can actually talk to him in his language. It is a good thing too because Hans will join them on their quest.

Gertrude is Hans best friend and confidant. I also have to tell you Gertrude is a duck and a very smart one at that.

Thayer David plays Count Saknussem a very ruthless and mean man. The Count feels that this expedition to the center of the Earth is his own personal quest and that the others have no right there. He will go so far as to shoot young Alec in the arm. You see the reason the expedition an go forth is because of information found from another man who went to the center of the Earth before them. The mans name was Arnie Saknussem. It also seems that Count Saknussem is Arnie's relative.

The adventure begins because young Alec finds a rock that he haggled all weekend to buy it for a certain amount. He gives the rock to Sir Oliver who immediately becomes interested in the rock. Sir Oliver finds that the rock is a type of lava but not just lava. There is an object melted in the rock. This turns out to be the first clue to getting to the center of the Earth. Sir Oliver will write a paper and submit it to the college board and he will write Professor Goteborg to get more information. It is at this time that Processor Gotenborg decides to beat Sir Oliver to the center of the Earth.

This movie has a lot of humor in it. There is one scene where the small group is heading down into the Earth that Carla is lowered down to the opening by two ropes instead of one. Sir Oliver will question her about getting special privileges because she is a woman. It is at this point Carla tells him Hans insisted on the extra rope for Gertrude not for her. There is another scene when they are further in the ground that Carla and Sir Oliver get into an argument and he asked if he should send for madams carriage to take her home. They all start laughing at this time and you have to admit it is right funny.

I have to say my favorite scene is when Sir Oliver is talking to Carla about wearing stays these a medal pieces the woman where in their girdle back then to look thin. These also hamper the breathing when the air gets hot. Sir Oliver is trying so hard to be delicate and because of the time period this movie takes place Carla will find his asking about them offensive. Then he will shyly explain why and ask her to take them off. Well after a few minutes of convincing she does finally take them off. Once the girdle is off you see Gertrude the duck waddling away with it.

The movie documents their journey and the obstacles in there way to get to the center of the Earth as well as getting back. Even though the creatures they meet underground may not be perfect they are interesting. You have to remember this movie was made in 1960. It will also show a small part of their life when they return from the center of the Earth as well.

My Opinion:

I feel for a movie that was made in 1960 they did a very good job. The novel was a very good read and the movie does the book justice I think. This movie is one that I would recommend for all ages. There is no nudity and no bad language. It is just a good story and some fine acting. This movie will range in price depending on where you wish to buy it. I got luck and got mine at Hollywood video when it was going out of business for $1.00