From the fertile imagination of famed author Jules Verne came the two novels that inspired this fantasy-adventure with definite similarities to "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea". Only this time, the majestic futuristic vehicle flies the skies rather than motoring through the depths of the ocean. It's commandeered by Captain Robur (Vincent Price), a fanatical pacifist who's willing to go to extreme lengths to engineer some sort of peace on Earth. He takes a few people captive, including government man John Strock (Charles Bronson), arms manufacturer Mr. Prudent (Henry Hull), Prudents' daughter Dorothy (Mary Webster), and Dorothy's fiancée Phillip Evans (David Frankham). Strock admires Roburs' ambitions, but doesn't believe that his ends are exactly justifying his means.
While not as iconic as that 1954 Disney film version of "Leagues", "Master of the World" is good, colorful entertainment. Veteran director William Witney capably works from a solid script by Richard Matheson, a writer who was always good at coming up with his own works as well as adapting the works of others. A.I.P. in house production designer Daniel Haller and cinematographer Gilbert Warrenton create a visually appealing look for the film and Roburs' impressive aircraft The Albatross. Composer Les Baxter, too, is in fine form, coming up with a soaring score. The special effects vary in quality a bit, but there is no shortage of genuine thrills to be had.
Price obviously enjoys himself getting to do his own version of a Captain Nemo kind of character, and he's just a joy. Bronson may seem oddly cast, but he emerges as an interesting hero, one who prefers to make his moves carefully rather than be a macho good guy "with honor". Frankham is okay, but his character can be infuriating. Hull hams it up sufficiently, as does Vito Scotti as the chef. (Scotti even breaks the fourth wall at one point.) Richard Harrison and Wally Campo are good as two of the primary crew on the Albatross. And Webster is a lovely and endearing leading lady.
Well worth a look, especially for fans of Price, Bronson, and Witney. Two songs utilized after the closing credits extend the running time by a few minutes.
Seven out of 10.
While not as iconic as that 1954 Disney film version of "Leagues", "Master of the World" is good, colorful entertainment. Veteran director William Witney capably works from a solid script by Richard Matheson, a writer who was always good at coming up with his own works as well as adapting the works of others. A.I.P. in house production designer Daniel Haller and cinematographer Gilbert Warrenton create a visually appealing look for the film and Roburs' impressive aircraft The Albatross. Composer Les Baxter, too, is in fine form, coming up with a soaring score. The special effects vary in quality a bit, but there is no shortage of genuine thrills to be had.
Price obviously enjoys himself getting to do his own version of a Captain Nemo kind of character, and he's just a joy. Bronson may seem oddly cast, but he emerges as an interesting hero, one who prefers to make his moves carefully rather than be a macho good guy "with honor". Frankham is okay, but his character can be infuriating. Hull hams it up sufficiently, as does Vito Scotti as the chef. (Scotti even breaks the fourth wall at one point.) Richard Harrison and Wally Campo are good as two of the primary crew on the Albatross. And Webster is a lovely and endearing leading lady.
Well worth a look, especially for fans of Price, Bronson, and Witney. Two songs utilized after the closing credits extend the running time by a few minutes.
Seven out of 10.