Simply A Masterpiece

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Excellent but underrated film

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

That's how it looked to me when I saw it on its first release in 1961-I was 11 at the time. And that's how to view it. Don't expect incredibly subtle acting, profound and penetrating dialog, deep insights into the human condition. It's an adventure movie, its protagonist is an ordinary man thrown into incredible circumstances-like Indiana Jones, no ? George Pal's pre-CGI specials effects hold up well, a good example where imagination linked to a strong sense of credibility make up for lack of technology. Think of Ray Harryhausen or the Lydecker Brothers, they were George Pal's contemporaries. Joyce Taylor as Princess Antilla-hmmm,isn't she a lot like like Princess Leaia ? Nice to look at, drives the boys wild, but feisty, rather iron willed and not to ready to cuddle up to those she deems inferiors. Has several familiar themes-Evil Empire headed by-or at least guided by-mad scientist, sees outsiders as inferiors merely to be subjugated for the benefit of the "Master Race", but one of the top men has pangs of consciences, senses they're unleashing forces they can't control. And what they're doing is wrong. Regarding the use of stock footage, scenes from other movies, studios are in business to make money and they often do so by cutting corners and using what they have on hand, profits are made as much through not spending money, avoiding losses as through ticket sales, producers and directors who complete movies on or ahead of schedule and at or under budget are viewed with great favor by studio execs.

It's a George Pal film, who around this time in his career was playing fun with fantasy adventure films, even bringing some cartoonery and science into his equations. Atlantis, the Lost Continent is not a particularly good film, but it is a fun one if you have any sort of idea what to expect from this sort of production.Plot basically pitches a Greek fisherman to the task of bringing an Atlantean princess back to the supposed mythical city of Atlantis. He does, and soon wishes he hadn't since he is not welcomed and Atlantis might be coming to the end of its existence.It starts off pretty badly, cheese acting and scenes looking dreadfully cheap. Yet once we get to Atlantis things perk up, with an array of weird inhabitants and nutty religion marrying up with some nutty science. It's colourful, while the effects work ranges wildly from good to bad; which is the same as the screenplay come to think of it (studio interference and writers strikes hamstrung Pal no doubt). It's more "Z" grade than "B" schlock grade, and as has been noted by critics, it does indeed look like a cheap Roman adventure dressed up under a mythical name. Yet it is still pleasant enough of a viewing experience, with some nifty action scenes and the brisk finale ensuring that is the case. 6/10

Always loved this movie,first saw it in the movies when I was 11.One of those Sat.afternoon kinda days.Then waited for it to be on TV,3-4 times a year.George Pal...some say not one of his better films,but "Who Cares"...I'm 55 now,and would watch it if it was on at 4:00 in the morning,I'd set the alarm.Also loved Frank De Kova,good Old Chief Wild Eagle,from F-Troop fame.All in all,it was a movie I could watch anytime,and never get board.Todays movies are Too Computerized....they depend on Special Effects for pretty much 1/2 the movies now adays. There's just something missing,with todays movies,...but sometimes less is more.But when I watch those old movies,it kinda brings you back to the days when you were still a kid,and you can't put a price tag on that..Jimi

I remember seeing this when it was first released many years ago & when George Pal was a household name. I recently had a chance to see it again on TCM and considering the time that has elapsed, some of the special effects still look OK.Being much older I now realize the acting skills of some of the players leave a lot to be desired but all in all it is still an enjoyable film despite the "steals" from Quo Vadis & elsewhere.When I was a kid the final destruction scene gripped me and I never forgot the "laser" gun frying the bad egg on the steps and the smiling skeleton dropping down. Funny now how I now notice the saw line around the head & thinking how is it the bones survived the blast on that occasion but when Zaran was picking off the boats it was complete disintegration. One can't be too picky though he must have had real good eyesight to catch sight of the hero & damsel in the teeming crowds, smoke and flames.