Mihai Toma After receiving as a gift a volcanic rock, which contains an important clue, an already famous geology professor sets out to Iceland, in order to find a supposed passage which might lead to the center of the earth. At the same time though, two other characters are on their way to find the same passage, in an attempt to gain instant fame.It's a movie based on a classic book by Jules Verne, which presents the fantastic journey to the center of the planet. Although starting a bit left footed, the characters dedicate a vast period of time for their travel, finding more and more miraculous places and beings along the way. It's plot and characters are very well made and described, along with several twists which are meant to increase the drama and interest. Although a bit predictable, but this is mostly because of the book I know, it manages to be a good watch until the end, even bringing a couple of unexpected moments along the way. What is to be mentioned though are the visual effects, which by today's standards are way too primitive, but they shouldn't be harshly judged. It looks decent for a film made about sixty years ago, but don't have high expectations from its visuals.Overall, I find it to be an enjoyable movie, with a deep retro felling which I like, which tells a classic story in its own unique way. It's a good watch for everybody who wants to relive a classic story, especially through an old film like this one.

AlanSKaufman An unexpected pleasure of the 1959 movie adaption of Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth was the charming character of Gertrude, the pet duck of Hans, an Icelandic gentleman who joins the adventure. When the group conducts a roll call, he proudly announces Hans and Gertrude Belker as though they are a couple.The film has many moments of humor including the singing voice of Pat Boone which deflects the dangerous descent into our planet. When the group need choose which way to proceed, Gertrude always senses the correct one. When members find themselves being flooded with water, the duck easily floats on top locating a means to escape.One feels certain that the good guys will eventually prevail over the bad guys who are trying to unfairly claim credit for the scientific discoveries. Unlike real life where evil can prevail, we expect this work of fiction to be upbeat. And yes, this is what happens, except for one shocking deviation as the movie approaches its grand finale.Gertrude wanders off again perhaps in search of an escape. The bad guy follows. Soon we see the sickening sight of bloody feathers. The poor creature has been eaten by the villain! How frightening for young viewers as well as any humane adult.The group learns about this crime and Hans attempts to strangle the murderer, but is stopped by everyone. The wretch tries to flee but is buried by an avalanche of boulders. At least mother nature takes proper revenge.At the movie's conclusion where the survivors are being honored, Boone's character is wedded, and another couple are engaged, but Hans remains alone. How tragic.What obviously should have been done is depicting Gertrude easily evading the villain. Killing her off is like killing Lassie! An otherwise fine movie was ruined. I watch the film now only to enjoy Gertrude's early scenes.

oomanopt Was much better when I saw it in 1959, when I was 10. I bought the VHS tape several years ago when my son was young believing he would enjoy it as much as I did when I was his age. He was bored to tears with it. The part that sticks in my mind was the part with the dinosaurs in it. They were obviously live lizards, impressive for the time, but I never understood what kind they were. It looked to me the one was actually stabbed with a spear. I figure it was illegal in 1959 to actually harm animals while filming a movie.It also looked to me that they were actually/really feeding off an other dead lizard, not trickery. Anybody have any ideas?

utgard14 Professor Oliver Lindenbrook (James Mason) finds clues to suggest a famous explorer made his way to center of the Earth and decides to follow in his footsteps. Lindenbrook and one of his students (Pat Boone) mount an expedition down a volcano in Iceland. They are joined by a burly farmer named Hans, a duck named Gertrude (!), and the widow of a scientist who tried to steal Lindenbrook's discovery. Along the way they must contend with various dangers including Count Saknussemm (Thayer David), the descendant of the original explorer. Entertaining adventure story. No it's not extremely faithful to Verne but it's fun nonetheless.