Review of The Golden Voyage of Sinbad

Brave sailor Sinbad (an engaging performance by John Phillip Law) goes to the island of Lemuria in search of the mystical Fountain of Destiny. Assisting Sinbad on his perilous journey are the badly scarred Grand Vizier (solid Douglas Wilmer) of Marabia, ravishing slave girl Margiana (a positively enchanting turn by the gorgeous Caroline Munro, who looks smoking hot in skimpy outfits), loyal crew member Omar (the always excellent Aldo Sambrell), and a helpful oracle (an unrecognizable Robert Shaw under extensive make-up). Out to thwart Sinbad is wicked and powerful black wizard Prince Koura (superbly played by Tom Baker of "Dr. Who" fame), a surprisingly complex and strangely sympathetic villain who needs to find the Fountain of Destiny to regain his youth. Director Gordon Hessler, working from a witty script by Brian Clemens (who also gave us the terrific "Captain Kronos - Vampire Hunter"), ably creates a charming magical atmosphere and maintains a steady, if occasionally rather sluggish pace throughout. Ray Harryhausen's wonderfully lifelike and expressive stop-motion animation creatures include a tiny winged flying homunculus who spies for Koura, a ship's wooden siren masthead which comes dangerously alive, a sword-wielding six-armed Kali statue, a ferocious gigantic cyclopean centaur, and a golden griffin who fights the centaur in an especially exciting set piece. Ted Moore's rich, vibrant cinematography, Miklos Rozsa's lush, rousing, spirited score and a perfectly pitched sincere tone of awestruck wonder further enhance the overall superior quality of this immensely enjoyable fantasy adventure delight.