First Men in the Moon

source: First Men in the Moon

Trailer—First Men in the Moon

First Men in the Moon

The effects may be dated, and the love interest a bit tedious at times, but Lionel(pre-Chitty Bang)Jeffries' whacky professor enthuses enough to keep the kids happy. Actually, the story-line isn't that bad at all (compared to more recent Sci-Fi offerings) and as an H.G. Wells rendering is actually quite good. I may have my rose-tinteds on though, I remember this with much affection as I saw it myself as a child of five or six in the early sixties. But, boys and girls, when they eventually get to the moon (or do they?) assure yourselves that as an exercise in escapism it's right up there with Jason and the Argonauts. And, after all, that's what movies are for - aren't they?

A 1964 moon landing discovers they were not the first men to arrive there. Turns out there was an 1899 expedition to the moon. Upon investigating, they find the only living member (Edward Judd) of that voyage. He tells the tale of how he and his fiancée (Martha Hyer) accompanied brilliant scientist Professor Cavor (Lionel Jeffries) to the moon through use of a special gravity-defying substance called Cavorite. Once there, they encounter an insectoid race of creatures known as Selenites. It's a fun old-fashioned sci-fi adventure. Beautiful sets, great Ray Harryhausen special effects and a script by venerable Nigel Kneale, adapted from the story by H.G. Wells. Most of Wells' social commentary is absent from the film. Some of it is still present, particularly in one of the film's best scenes -- Cavor's talk with the leader of the Selenites, the Grand Lunar.

This recent DVD re-release (May, 2003) now has Dolby 4.0 stereo along with a remarkable color restoration. While not up to today's Dolby (THX) standards the soundtrack and musical score are quite good for a vintage 1964 classic. The color of this version is actually better than what I remember in the theater and much better than any TV replays (which are quite rare for this film). This was one of my all time favorite Harryhausen films as a kid and I'm glad to see it given a decent treatment to DVD. No spoilers here other than to say I still find this film as intriguing and interesting now as I did almost 40 years ago. For pure fantasy buffs and sci-fi fans "First Men in the Moon" is a fun flick to enjoy. Grab the popcorn, take the phone off the hook, and enjoy this DVD.

This is one of those adaptations of works of authors like Jules Verne, Arthur Conan Doyle, and H. G. Welles. While short on science, it's a fun venture into the stars. Of course, there is a simplistic romance that goes on. The space ship is primitive at best and wouldn't work at all, but we are in the realm of the speculators. This is played tongue in cheek and there are lots of funny bits. But it is a story of courage and effort to find out about the great beyond. There is an interesting confidence in the principle character. These writers weren't accurate scientifically, but they brought joy to the people of the time. Watch this for its colorful presentation of the great stories.

Wow! I'm pretty surprised. Well, I shouldn't be, good old H.G. never lets you down. Fact is, this really should be higher on the list of the most iconic science fiction of the early years. The effects are marvelous, and it's some of Harryhausen's best work in my opinion. Awesome concept, an alien race eager to learn about the humans, what their planet is like, only to become paranoid at the idea of violent humans coming to the moon. It's a bit different from most films of its time in the fact that the alien race isn't exactly the enemy of the humans. They are more so concerned and ready to defend themselves from an oncoming invasion...to the moon, from earth. Overall I could totally watch this film again, which is something I don't usually do. I would highly recommend it to anyone who truly loves science fiction.

One of Ray Harryhausen's best movies. As big a fan as I am of the Master Animator, one of the things that makes this film great is that it's one of his few films that works just fine without his effects. George Pal could have produced this with the same cast and script but without Harryhausen's (admittedly wonderful) special effects and it would still have been a delight. The acting, humor, production design, and music are all first rate. I am well aware that audiences of a certain age will consider this "cheesy" because it doesn't have the latest in (cheesy) CGI effects, and consequently will miss out on some great entertainment. They have my deepest sympathy.

I watched this film for the first time recently and as a 22 year old brought up with E.T. and Star Wars I have to say I was still impressed and thoroughly enjoyed the whole film. The effects are great, the story is well adapted to fit on to your screen and is believe it or not, thought provoking. I would recommend this film to anyone of any age and especially those who enjoyed the original Time Machine and Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Great fun.