An expedition ventures into a remote high plateau to find a missing man. Said expedition discovers various dangerous and predatory prehistoric creatures living in this lost world and decide to take a brontosaurus back to London with them.
Director Harry O. Hoyt not only keeps the enjoyable and engrossing story moving along at a constant pace, but also brings a winning sense of wonder and spectacle to the often lively and stirring proceedings. Moreover, this film further benefits from an entertaining array of colorful characters: Wallace Beery as the crusty Professor Challenger, Lloyd Hughes as eager reporter Ed Malone, Bessie Love as the sweet and perky Paula White, Lewis Stone as dashing hunter Sir John Roxton, Arthur Hoyt as the uptight Professor Summerlee, and Bull Montana as a ferocious meddlesome apeman. Only Jules Cowles as the dim-witted Zambo wears out his welcome after a while with his tiresome and unfunny comic relief antics. Willis H. O'Brien's dazzling stop-motion animation beasts hold up really well; they come across as remarkably lifelike and convincing. The scenes with the dinosaurs either fighting each other or attacking people are genuinely exciting. Ditto an elaborate set piece involving a volcanic eruption and the rousing climax with the brontosaurus on the rampage in London. Best of all, this picture has a sincere quality to it that gives the whole thing a certain quaint charm. A super fun film.
Director Harry O. Hoyt not only keeps the enjoyable and engrossing story moving along at a constant pace, but also brings a winning sense of wonder and spectacle to the often lively and stirring proceedings. Moreover, this film further benefits from an entertaining array of colorful characters: Wallace Beery as the crusty Professor Challenger, Lloyd Hughes as eager reporter Ed Malone, Bessie Love as the sweet and perky Paula White, Lewis Stone as dashing hunter Sir John Roxton, Arthur Hoyt as the uptight Professor Summerlee, and Bull Montana as a ferocious meddlesome apeman. Only Jules Cowles as the dim-witted Zambo wears out his welcome after a while with his tiresome and unfunny comic relief antics. Willis H. O'Brien's dazzling stop-motion animation beasts hold up really well; they come across as remarkably lifelike and convincing. The scenes with the dinosaurs either fighting each other or attacking people are genuinely exciting. Ditto an elaborate set piece involving a volcanic eruption and the rousing climax with the brontosaurus on the rampage in London. Best of all, this picture has a sincere quality to it that gives the whole thing a certain quaint charm. A super fun film.