Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) was adapted from Jules Verne’s novel by scenarist Charles Brackett, who added a heroine and villain. The film starred James Mason as Prof. Lindenbrook, beginning his adventure prompted by a message in a lump of lava.
Accompanied by Carla and Hans, they journey underground, followed by the villainous Count Saknussem. The film is filled with superb effects and sets, dinosaurs, and Bernard Herrmann’s score. It was a success for 20th Century Fox. The MPAA rating is NR.
The film is a blend of action, adventure, fantasy, romance, science fiction, and travel. Later, it inspired a Saturday-morning cartoon series.
