Atlantis: The Lost Continent (1961)

Puppetoons Creator and Legendary Sci-Fi/Fantasy Director/Producer George Pal was Short Changed by a Stingy Studio, and a Writer's Strike on "Atlantis". Pal was Forced to Beg, Borrow, and Steal Scenes from other Films and Corners were Uncharacteristically Cut and the Result was this Mediocre Movie in the Pal Canon.After many Fantastic Foray's into Moviedom with Bonafide Classic and Fun Films, this one turned out to be a Disappointment and nowhere Near the Quality of His Best efforts.There are some Things that are worth Mentioning as Highlights. The Sets are Garishly Beautiful and Otherworldly. Color is used to Enhance the "Extravaganza" and some of the Production is Remarkable.But, Overall the Stiff Acting, the Rambling Story, and the Horrific Pacing do this "Matinee Movie" No Favors. There are a few Creepy Scenes that were Unsettling for its Target Audience, the "Kiddies", mainly involving the "Man-Beasts".Although not a glaring concern, there are obvious references to Monotheism attached and Judaeo/Christians get a Shout Out, as was often the case in Sci-Fi of the Period.Worth a Watch for the Better Parts and can be Escapism Fun if You let it. Those Looking to Find "Atlantis" Facts and Folklore are going to be Let Down.

The idea of a Atlantis...lost continent and what may have happened to it is intriguing and this movie takes us into that world. It is not perfect, but let it suspend your beliefs for a time and enjoy it for what it is....Good points to ponder throughout the movie and the beginning is very well presented. It sets you up quite well. Afterall, what did happen to Atlantis? Keep in mind that there was quite a bit of known knowledge around thousands of years ago that was quite extra ordinary. The concept of batteries is evidenced to be thousands of years old yet we give it no thought. Furthermore,it was a standing rule in Egypt that when you visited and had anything in writing, they were allowed to copy it. Thus the great library was created having knowledge from all over the world only to be destroyed later on. Where did all the knowledge that Atlantis had go? Why did it go? They were ahead of their time these Atlantisians...This movie will help you with that thought....Enjoy...

Every since I was a boy, the works of George Pal has always been an inspiration. I can recall as a child, waiting patiently for his TV programs involving his enormously popular Puppet-toons. His films always touch the core of movie fans' imagination with such classics as, 'The Naked Jungle', 'The War of the Worlds' and my all time favorite, 'The Time Machine'. In this film, Pal reaches deep into the human Psyche and selects a fabulous story which originates in the ancient scrolls of Plato. Here a Greek Fisherman, Demetrios (Anthony Hall) nets a strange woman who claims to be from the mythical island of Atlantis. Unable to prevent her, she returns home where the Fisherman becomes a prisoner of the mightiest kingdom of all time. Promising himself, he will yet escape his chains, Demetrios meet Xandros (Jay Novello) an aging slave who made that claim years before. During his stay, he is not only permitted to witness the great wonders of Atlantis, such as a submarine and a powerful solar Laser, but is informed of it's impending doom by a sincere and penitent scientist/priest named Azor (Edward Platt). His stay is precarious and subject to change at the whim of Sonoy the Astrologer (Frank De Kova) and Zaren (John Dall) the chief adviser. The movie is entertaining and enjoyable, if slightly hampered by the personal ideology of the director who injects it into his work. Nevertheless, the films of George Pal, continue to fascinate audiences of all ages. Due to his expertise, this film serves to strengthen our continuous belief in the Legend of Atlantis. ****

I remember seeing this film as a 14 year old in 1961 at a Saturday afternoon matinée...my brother and I were supposed to go to a Detroit Tiger baseball game but it was rained out...what to do? We went to see this movie and I have always remembered it and loved it. Back in the late 50s, early 60s Hollywood was putting out a lot of science fiction fantasy films, like "Seventh Voyage of Sinbad", "Jack the Giant Killer", "Mysterious Island" and all of the sword and sandal Hercules movies with Steve Reeves and other musclemen. What could you not like about this film as a kid? A beautiful princess, a submarine in the shape of a fish, giant monsters fighting our hero in a fire/water pit, animal men with bull heads and horns, a giant sea monster Neptune showing our hero and his princess through the pillars of Hercules on their way to Atlantis and plenty of evil sorcerers and villains. A good love story to boot with our hero Demetrious winning the love of his lady Antillia and getting out of Atlantis just before the submerging and destruction of the mythical land. Edward Platt who was on the TV show "Get Smart" as the chief in a role as a minister/prophet who foretells the doom of the fabled continent. I fell in love with Joyce Taylor, the princess Antillia way back then....only problem is that our hero, played by Anthony Hall looked like he could have used some time in the gym training with Steve Reeves. On the very thin side for a hero to fight giants and evil rulers. Great science fiction stuff for the 60s.