 | Classic reviews- The Master of the World (1961) |
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Master of the World is an oddity in that it is a technicolor marvel that few movie buffs cite for its technological achievements. Based on two of Jules Verne's works, the movie is a period piece that opens with heated debate over a heavier than air craft and its impossible propulsion through the sky. The blustery Prudent and his available daughter are at the center of the debate as is Philip Evans, a young man after both the acceptance of the aged scientist and the hand of the young lady Dorothy. He of course fails in both regards, but the old man is mad as as hatter and the young lady far too forthright and strong willed for Victorian society.
Prudent, an arms manufacturer and balloonist, becomes part of an investigation led by US agent John Strock regarding a series of mysterious attacks. Despite belief they are taken aboard a massive airship made entirely of paper and wood, manned by a crew devoted to their leader, Captain Robur. Played with aplomb by the veteran character actor Vincent Price, Robur has dedicated himself to establishing peace throughout the world by establishing himself as its master. Using his magnificent airship, he can attack any nation from above without fear of reprisals.
Surrounded by mechanics, sailors and servants, Robur craves civilized intellectual company and encourages the travelers to join him on his quest, treating them to a lavish banquet and ample sleeping quarters. Throughout it all, Strock plays it cool, biding his time while Evans chomps at the bit and devises ham-fisted schemes to stop Robur's plot. Of course through his behavior Evan loses any points that he had with Dorothy as Strock chalks them up by being mister smooth.
A sensitive actor, Price imbues Captain Robur with a damaged mania. In the hands of a lesser actor, the villain would be a cardboard character, a mere shade of Captain Nemo (the film does steal many elements from Ten Thousand Leagues Under the Sea), but in this case one can see the sincerity of Robur's cause. Sure, anyone who is eager to bring peace by attacking the entire world in a paper ship is three sandwiches short of a picnic, but you gotta give him points for good intentions.
The bushy-faced Vincent Price as Robur
It's fascinating to see a young Charles Bronson, a man well known for his role as the gun-toting vigilante in the Death Wish series as a romantic leading man. It actually suits him. A professional boxer and former coal miner, his frame is massive, but his extensive theatrical training allows him to easily steal the show as the 'better man' of the story. Throughout the entire adventure, Bronson's character refuses to act unless the time and place is right. It takes great bravery to remain calm while Price's Captain Robur shouts epithets and drops bombs along with leaflets on unsuspecting towns and cities... but Strock has a lady to impress.
Poor Evans calls Strock a traitor and a coward, but is clearly jeopardizing the safety of them all in his explosive outbursts that tempt fate. When he and Strock are subjected to a strange form of punishment where they are suspended by ropes from the bottom of the airship's hull, Strock is cool as a cucumber while Evans is clearly close to losing his mind with fear.
Damn, Bronson's smooth.
The stoic Charles Bronson as John Strock
A technological achievement for its time, The Master of the World features some very impressive aerial sequences and although it pilfers almost as much stock footage as an Ed Wood flick, it is a noble attempt at crafting an adventurous epic. The script by Richard Matheson (of a million Twilight Zone scripts and I Am Legend) is a treasure, making this a rare gem for a fan of obscure science fiction classics.
A mediation of global governments, anarchy, pacifism and imperialism, Master of the World has some hearty and heady material for thought. It's also an exciting adventure story with a tiny budget and lofty ideas.
You see why I like this movie, right?
trailer:
More to come...
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