The Viking Queen (1967)

Taking much of its inspiration from the folk hero Boudicca, Hammer Studio's story is set in Britain during the Roman occupation. The political sea change that's forced upon the country's native tribes results in an armed uprising led by Queen Salina, played by Finnish fashion model Carita Järvinen.
Amid the calls to war a romance blossoms, failing to add as much emotional conflict as it ought to have done. The blend of politics, religion, state, and family concerns is equally as underwhelming at times. I'm guessing the makers were aware of the failings, so added some side-boob to spice it up.
The exterior scenes feel authentic, whereas many of the interior scenes have the usual stage-like Hammer theatrics, the kind that I adore.

2½ blue bandits out of 5

One Million Years B.C. (1966)

Instead of simply dipping a toe in the cave-girl genre, Hammer dipped an entire lady, Raquel Welch, and created something iconic in the process.
It's a story of early humans (after they'd learned sewing and modesty) with very little dialogue, most of which is Prehistoric language. Despite that, it does manage to be entertaining, least of all in its good girl falls for bad boy scenario; i.e. Loana (Welsh) for the savage Tumak (John Richardson).
Lovers of 'fur' bikinis should enjoy the scenery, while kids and fans of stop-motion can appreciate the wonderful Ray Harryhausen creature effects. Beyond that, there's character growth, some righting of wrongs, and enough tragedy to enable anyone who's seeking an actual story to leave satisfied.

3 skulls on sticks out of 5

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

I see Clash of the Titans (1981) frequently cited as being Ray Harryhausen's masterpiece. Titans is a good film, for sure, but for me there's no contest, Argonauts tops it. If I was able to plot on a graph how my love for stop-motion was established then the highest peak would represent Argonauts.

Don Chaffey's film has a lasting appeal that's almost on par with the fabulous Greek myths that make up its plot. Some of those myths got rewritten, but it's okay because the highly versatile quest structure remains ageless and easily relatable. We're with Jason every step of the way, no matter how ill-advised or dangerous his reactions seem at the time. (Seriously, Jason, WTF?)
He's allowed free will but is nevertheless a pawn of the gods, aided by Hera (Honor Blackman) and hindered by Zeus (Niall MacGinnis). The power of prophecy to initiate action and of belief to sustain it is ever-present.

5 divine strategies out of 5