Master of the World (1961)

Master of the World
Directed by William Witney
Written by Richard Matheson based on two novels by Jules Verne
1961/USA
Alta Vista Productions
First viewing/Amazon Instant

The megalomaniac differs from the narcissist by the fact that he wishes to be powerful rather than charming, and seeks to be feared rather than loved. To this type belong many lunatics and most of the great men of history. – Bertrand Russell

Vincent Price and Charles Bronson liven up a fantastic voyage that cashes in on popular Jules Verne adaptations of the day.

The movie begins with a bunch of historic footage of unsuccessful attempts at heavier than air flight.  We then move on to 1868 Morgantown, PA.  The townspeople are astounded to hear a great rumbling and a menacing biblical quotation emanating from a nearby mountain.  They assume it indicates volcanic activity.  Department of Interior official John Strock (Bronson) arrives to investigate.  He soon becomes acquainted with arms manufacturer Mr. Prudent (Henry Hull) and his daughter Dorothy.  Prudent and Dorothy’s fiancé Phillip constantly bicker about the hot air baloon Phillip has designed.

Strock convinces the three to take him up in the balloon to take a peak at the crater.  Before they know it, the balloon has been downed and they are prisoners inside a giant air ship, The Albatross.  The Albatross’s captain is Robur (Price), a man with a mission.  This is to end war through threats and violence.  He simply sinks war ships, with all hands on deck if they do not heed his warning to abandon ship.  Mr. Prudent’s party must figure out how to a) escape and (b) destroy the Albatross – preferably both.  Meanwhile there is a mild love triangle between John, Phillip and Dorothy.

I thought this was much more entertaining than its mediocre IMDb rating would imply.  The special effects are not so special but there is an atmosphere of adventure that is very appealing.  Also, just watching Price do his thing is generally a treat for me.  The young Bronson is magnetic – even a bit sexy.

Trailer