That's how it looked to me when I saw it on its first release in 1961-I was 11 at the time. And that's how to view it. Don't expect incredibly subtle acting, profound and penetrating dialog, deep insights into the human condition. It's an adventure movie, its protagonist is an ordinary man thrown into incredible circumstances-like Indiana Jones, no ? George Pal's pre-CGI specials effects hold up well, a good example where imagination linked to a strong sense of credibility make up for lack of technology. Think of Ray Harryhausen or the Lydecker Brothers, they were George Pal's contemporaries. Joyce Taylor as Princess Antilla-hmmm,isn't she a lot like like Princess Leaia ? Nice to look at, drives the boys wild, but feisty, rather iron willed and not to ready to cuddle up to those she deems inferiors. Has several familiar themes-Evil Empire headed by-or at least guided by-mad scientist, sees outsiders as inferiors merely to be subjugated for the benefit of the "Master Race", but one of the top men has pangs of consciences, senses they're unleashing forces they can't control. And what they're doing is wrong. Regarding the use of stock footage, scenes from other movies, studios are in business to make money and they often do so by cutting corners and using what they have on hand, profits are made as much through not spending money, avoiding losses as through ticket sales, producers and directors who complete movies on or ahead of schedule and at or under budget are viewed with great favor by studio execs.
Review of Atlantis: The Lost Continent
