Reviews

This is really an excellent film. Concerning a landing on Venus by cosmonauts( 6 men, 1 woman and a robot) and their many experiences trying to rescue stranded crew members, the film is well-written with outstanding sets depicting the Veneusian landscape. Unlike in much American Sci-Fi of the period, there are no evil aliens trying to take out our heroes, The only inhabitants they meet are carniverous plants, a peredactyl, and lizard-men( in one of the few poorly done scenes) This is is an excellent film and should be viewed by all Sci-Fi fans.

Fans of 50's Sci-Fi will enjoy this entertaining film with terrific stop-motion effects by the master, Ray Harryhausen. In the forefront of the film is one of those campy little romances of the type so often found in 50's Sci-Fi outings. The special effects are certainly not incredible, but are very good looking as 50's style effects go. Watch for the destruction of the Golden Gate Bridge by the giant octopus, as well a the scene in which it's tentacles lurch through San Francisco like giant snakes. An above average 50's Sci-Fi.

I found this film an absolute delight. All of the leads put in outstanding preformances. The romance between Prince Karl(Ramon Novarro) and Kathi(Norma Shearer) is wonderfully presented, and it is truly poignant. I did feel, however, that the film loses momentum, to an extent, twoards the end. The music score on the home video edition is, like most by Carl Davis, a big plus. Well worth seeing.