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Journey to the Center of the Earth  (1959)

Journey to the Center of the Earth
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
G
Theatrical Feature Running Time:
132 mins

Theatrical Release Information:
Journey to the Center of the Earth

There was neither a heroine nor a villain in Jules Verne's 1864 novel Journey to the Center of the Earth, but scenarist Charles Brackett evidently knew what he was doing by adding both to the 1959 film version. The picture proved to be a significant success in an otherwise disappointing year for 20th Century Fox. James Mason stars as amusingly absent-minded professor Oliver Lindenbrook, whose first step on a fabulous journey is prompted by a lump of lava brought to him by his student Alec McEwen (Pat Boone -- and, yes, he gets to sing). Melting down the curiously composed lump, Lindenbrook discovers a hastily scrawled message from long-lost explorer Arne Saknussem, with directions for reaching the earth's core. Accompanied by Carla (Arlene Dahl), widow of a famed geologist, and Icelandic guide Hans (Peter Ronson), Lindenbrook and Alec head down, down below. They are closely followed by the villainous Count Saknussem (Thayer David), descendant of the lost explorer who wrote the directions; the count hopes to use Lindenbrook's discoveries for his own personal and political gain (we know he's really bad when he eats Han's lovable pet goose). What follows is a festival of superb special effects, fabulous subterranean sets, and gigantized reptiles posing as dinosaurs, all brilliantly accompanied by Bernard Herrmann's ominous musical score. Journey to the Center of the Earth would later be adapted into a Saturday-morning cartoon series, again produced by 20th Century Fox. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide


Journey to the Center of the Earth Trivia

Who played Alec McEwen in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth?
Pat Boone played Alec McEwen in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth

Who played Prof. Oliver Lindenbrook in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth?
James Mason played Prof. Oliver Lindenbrook in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth

Who played Carla in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth?
Arlene Dahl played Carla in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth

Who played Jenny in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth?
Diane Baker played Jenny in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth

Who played Hans in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth?
Peter Ronson played Hans in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth

Who played Count Saknussem in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth?
Thayer David played Count Saknussem in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth

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Portions of Content Provided by All Movie Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC.