James Mason stars as a professor of geology who receives a rare gift from a student, sparking an adventure into the unknown depths of the Earth.
The works of French novelist Jules Verne have been inspiring film-makers for over 100 years, but not all of the resultant films are good. JttCotE's budget meant it had to excise a large amount of what the travellers encounter during their subterranean adventure, but the sets are inventive and the script, despite its changes and additions, tries its best. Alas, the pacing is problematic and the outdated attitudes of the main characters (sexism, self-importance, boorishness, arrogance, etc) make them difficult to sympathise with. An enjoyment of the movie means that an enjoyment of Verne — or rather Hollywood's interpretation of the same — is something of a prerequisite.
2½ frayed cuffs out of 5
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