Flights of Fantasy
These are fantasy films, though aren't they all? Specifically, these are films which follow the conventions of fantasy literature, myths and legends. For the purposes of clarity, I've included things like King Arthur, but not swashbucklers like Zorro or Captain Blood. If it has elements of magic, it's fantasy, in my book. If it just has guys swinging swords, its a swashbuckler or heroic adventure (or medieval romance). I've tried to stay away from the supernatural stuff, like horror, but some important ones may pop up. I also stuck with things with which I am familiar, so many foreign films and tv shows are not included.
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- DirectorOtis TurnerStarsBebe DanielsHobart BosworthEugenie BessererAn early version of the classic, based more on the 1902 stage musical than on the original novel.Oz goes way back and provided material for some of the earliest films. These had Frank Baum's involvement. I've only seen stills, so I don't know how they compare to Judy Garland.
- DirectorJacques FeyderStarsJean AngeloGeorges MelchiorMarie-Louise IribeTwo men, lost in the desert, meet Queen Antinea, ruler of Atlantis.The French title is L'Atlantide, based on the novel of the same name. Two soldiers become lost in the Saharan desert and discover the lost kingdom of Atlantis and one becomes seduced by a woman of great power. The film is highly regarded and was one of the first silent films to be done on location, in French North Africa. It was later remade in 1932, but this is the definitive version.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsPaul RichterMargarete SchönTheodor LoosSiegfried, son of King Siegmund of Xanten, sets off on a treacherous journey to the Kingdom of Burgundy to ask King Gunther for the hand of his sister, the beautiful Princess Kriemhild.Fritz Lang brings the Ring of the Niebelung to life in this silent film. I haven't seen it but heard that it's breathtaking.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsMargarete SchönGertrud ArnoldTheodor LoosPrincess Kriemhild vows to avenge her husband's murder but must overcome her brothers who swore allegiance to Hagen. She marries Etzel, King of the Huns, and persuades his army to attack Hagen, but she loses more than she bargained for.Second half of Lang's epic version of the Ring of the Niebelung.
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsDouglas FairbanksJulanne JohnstonSnitz EdwardsA recalcitrant thief vies with a duplicitous Mongol ruler for the hand of a beautiful princess.Douglas Fairbanks buckles his swash in this Arabian Nights silent epic.
- DirectorLeni RiefenstahlBéla BalázsStarsLeni RiefenstahlMathias WiemanBeni FührerWhen the moon is full, young men die attempting to reach the mysterious blue light in the mountains.Lenni Reifenstaal's film about a naïve young woman (believed to be a witch) and a painter who falls in love with her but betrays her secret blue crystal treasure to a nearby village. It ends tragically but is highly regarded for its visuals.
- DirectorNorman Z. McLeodHugh HarmanRudolf IsingStarsRichard ArlenRoscoe AtesWilliam AustinIn Victorian England a bored young girl dreams that she has entered a fantasy world called Wonderland populated by even more fantastic characters.All star version, which included WC Fields, Cary Grant, and Gary Cooper, amongst many others. It also features san animated sequence, produced by the Leon Schlessinger crowd.
- DirectorMitchell LeisenStarsFredric MarchEvelyn VenableGuy StandingThe Grim Reaper takes the form of a Prince in an attempt to relate to humans and, along the way, also learns what it is to love.Frederick March stars as Death, who spends 3 days as a human, to understand them better, but finds that he has fallen in love. A true classic that would inspire remakes (Meet Joe Black) and certainly had to factor into Terry Pratchett's character of Death.
- DirectorGus MeinsCharley RogersStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyVirginia KarnsOpposing the evil Barnaby, Ollie Dee and Stanley Dum try and fail to pay-off Mother Peep's mortgage and mislead his attempts to marry Little Bo. Enraged, Barnaby's Bogeymen are set on Toyland.Laurel and Hardy star in this version of the fairy tale-like story. An evil villain (as opposed to a benevolent villain) is making life miserable for people, including our hero. Laurel and Hardy help save the day, knocking out some wooden soldiers in the process. Lots of fun, for the period.
- DirectorWilliam DieterleMax ReinhardtStarsJames CagneyDick PowellIan HunterTwo couples and a troupe of actors have an encounter with some mischievous fairies in the forest.Famous or infamous version of Shakespeare, with a rather non-Shakespearean cast, including Mickey Rooney as Puck. It was adapted from a Hollywood Bowl production, but suffers badly from miscasting. James Cagney got good reviews but hated his performance and even Dick Powell thought he had no business playing Lysander.
- DirectorLansing C. HoldenIrving PichelStarsHelen GahaganRandolph ScottHelen MackA group of explorers search of the legendary "flame of life," a mysterious force that bestows immortality.Early adaptation of H Rider Haggard, which combines elements from several of the Ayesha novels.
- DirectorWilliam CottrellDavid HandWilfred JacksonStarsAdriana CaselottiHarry StockwellLucille La VerneExiled into the dangerous forest by her wicked stepmother, a princess is rescued by seven dwarf miners who make her part of their household.Disney's first epic film, retelling the fairy tale of Snow White. Still holds up well.
- DirectorVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.Legendary classic musical, with Judy Garland and the gang. It is both delightful and really scarry, especially for kids. One things for certain, it isn't boring. "Fly my pretties!"
- DirectorDave FleischerWillard BowskyOrestes CalpiniStarsJessica DragonetteLanny RossPinto ColvigA doctor washes ashore on an island inhabited by little people.The Fleischer studio tried to rival Disney, using thei rotoscope technique. It's a nice try but not quite at the Disney level.
- DirectorNorman FergusonT. HeeWilfred JacksonStarsDickie JonesChristian RubMel BlancA living puppet, with the help of a cricket as his conscience, must prove himself worthy to become a real boy.Disney brings the Italian tale to life, inspiring everyone, including Steven Spielberg.
- DirectorLudwig BergerMichael PowellTim WhelanStarsConrad VeidtSabuJune DuprezAfter being tricked and cast out of Bagdad by the evil Jaffar, King Ahmad joins forces with a thief named Abu to reclaim his throne, the city, and the Princess he loves.Sabu (not the ECW wrestler) stars in this remake of the Fairbanks film. Plenty of Arabian fun.
- DirectorJames AlgarSamuel ArmstrongFord Beebe Jr.StarsLeopold StokowskiDeems TaylorThe Philadelphia OrchestraA series of eight famous pieces of classical music, conducted by Leopold Stokowski and interpreted in animation by Walt Disney's team of artists.A little long, but an interesting experiment. The fantasy comes into play in The Sorcerer's Apprentice, with Mickey working a bit of magic.
- DirectorJosef von BákyStarsHans AlbersWilhelm BendowMichael BohnenThis lavish, impudent, adult fairy tale takes the viewer from 18th-century Braunschweig to St. Petersburg, Constantinople, Venice, and then to the moon using ingenious special effects, stunning location shooting.Early adaptation of the stories of the great liar. Haven't seen it, but it supposed to be extremely good.
- DirectorWilliam DieterleStarsRonald ColmanMarlene DietrichJames CraigIn ancient Baghdad, Hafiz the King of Beggars dreams of untold riches and of marrying his daughter to a real prince.Based on the play, it is more of a romantic fantasy setting, rather than a film about fantasy adventure, with its tale of disguised kings and peasants. The play would also spawn a musical and an earlier film version.
- DirectorAlfred E. GreenStarsEvelyn KeyesPhil SilversAdele JergensTongue-in-cheek fantasy film set in Baghdad and loosely based on the One Thousand and One Nights medieval story.Parody of the Arabian adventures, with people like Phil Silvers. Plenty of fun to be had.
- DirectorJean CocteauRené ClémentStarsJean MaraisJosette DayMila ParélyA beautiful young woman takes her father's place as the prisoner of a mysterious beast, who wishes to marry her.Jean Cocteau's masterpiece, with Jean Marais as the Beast. Far more faithful to the story than Disney. One of the romantic classics of French cinema.
- DirectorRichard WallaceStarsDouglas Fairbanks Jr.Maureen O'HaraWalter SlezakIn medieval Persia, during the rule of Caliph Harun-Al-Rashid, Sinbad the Sailor boasts about his latest adventures to his friends.Douglas Fairbanks Jr. stars as the hero. Not as memorable as the Harryhausen films or his father's work, but it tries.
- DirectorTay GarnettStarsBing CrosbyRhonda FlemingCedric HardwickeA singing mechanic from 1912 finds himself in Arthurian Britain.Bing Crosby stars in this version of Mark Twain's classic satire. Some of the social commentary is lost, but it's a likeable enough film.
- DirectorClyde GeronimiWilfred JacksonHamilton LuskeStarsKathryn BeaumontEd WynnRichard HaydnAlice stumbles into the world of Wonderland. Will she get home? Not if the Queen of Hearts has her way.Disney adapts Alice, with a little bit of Through the Looking Glass thrown in, for good measure. It's a bit uneven in the middle, but is mostly good. Very trippy, at times.
- DirectorClyde GeronimiWilfred JacksonHamilton LuskeStarsIlene WoodsJames MacDonaldEleanor AudleyWhen Cinderella's cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball, she gets some unexpected help from the lovable mice Gus and Jaq and from her Fairy Godmother.Disney brings another fairytale to life, and wonderfully so.
- DirectorJean YarbroughStarsBud AbbottLou CostelloBuddy BaerAbbott and Costello's version of the famous fairy tale, about a young boy who trades the family cow for magic beans.Abbott and Costello appear in this adaptation of the fairytale. It's silly fun.
- DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsRobert TaylorAva GardnerMel FerrerKing Arthur's rule is threatened by the adulterous love between Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere, a relationship the king's enemies hope to exploit.Robert Taylor stars as King Arthur. This one is a bit wooden at times but is decent enough, for the period.
- DirectorAleksandr PtushkoStarsSergey StolyarovAlla LarionovaNinel MyshkovaArriving home to find his native land under the yoke of corrupt merchants, an adventurer named Sadko sets sail in search of a mythical bird of happiness.Finnish fantasy epic that was rather unconvincingly turned into a Sinbad film, via poor dubbing. The MST3K gang savaged it well.
- DirectorClyde GeronimiWilfred JacksonHamilton LuskeStarsBobby DriscollKathryn BeaumontHans ConriedWendy and her brothers are whisked away to the magical world of Neverland with the hero of their stories, Peter Pan.Disney's wonderful take on the JM Barrie play, complete with the great Hans Conried as Captain Hook. Plenty of fun and adventure.
- DirectorRoy RowlandStarsPeter Lind HayesMary HealyHans ConriedA young boy dreams that he is in an imaginary world where, assisted by his family's plumber, he must save other piano-playing kids like himself from the dungeons of his dictatorial piano teacher who also mind-controls his mother.Dr Seuss wrote the script but hated the finished product, though it has become a cult favorite. A young boy who hates his piano lessons and teacher dreams of a fantasy world where young boys are prisoners in a giant piano and are forced to play by Dr T. I haven't seen it, but it has to be better than the live action Grinch and Cat in the Hat. I think Seuss would have been more upset there.
- DirectorHenry HathawayStarsJames MasonJanet LeighRobert WagnerA young Viking prince strives to become a knight in King Arthur's Court and restore his exiled father to his rightful throne.Robert Wagner wears the worst wig ever as he butchers the Hal Foster classic. There's really not much to recommend here, unless you want to see a laughably bad production.
- DirectorMario CameriniStarsSilvana ManganoKirk DouglasAnthony QuinnA movie adaptation of Homer's second epic, that depicts Ulysses' efforts to return to his home after the end of ten years of war.Kirk Douglas stars as the hero of the Odyssey (Odysseus in Greek). It hits the high points and does a decent job.
- DirectorMelvin FrankNorman PanamaStarsDanny KayeGlynis JohnsBasil RathboneA hapless carnival performer masquerades as the court jester as part of a plot against an evil ruler who has overthrown the rightful King.Really more of a medieval romance/comedy, but it does have a witch (of a sort, more of a hypnotist and herbalist). Danny Kaye is great and Glynnis Johns is squeaky sexy. Angela Lansbury didn't look too shabby, either. Basil Rathbone is always great as the villain in these things.
- DirectorBretaigne WindustStarsVan JohnsonClaude RainsLori NelsonOverwhelmed by rats, a medieval town hires a magical piper who can rid the town of the pest in exchange for gold but the crooked mayor has no intention of honoring the deal.Van Johnson stars in a dual role, based on the famous poem, about a piper who rids a town of rats, for a large fee. When the mayor reneges on the payment, he steals the children away.
- DirectorPietro FrancisciStarsSteve ReevesSylva KoscinaFabrizio MioniThe muscular Hercules performs his Labors, sails with the Argonauts, and romances the fair Iole.Steve Reeves portrays the Greek hero, in an Italian film. Plenty of body oil and muscle stunts. A little light on the mythology.
- DirectorNathan JuranStarsKerwin MathewsKathryn GrantRichard EyerWhen a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war.Ray Harryhausen shepherds this epic of the Arabian hero, complete with a Cyclops, a roc, a dragon, and a skeleton warrior (which is pretty darn scary). One of Harryhausen's best.
- DirectorGeorge PalStarsRuss TamblynJune ThorburnPeter SellersA boy (Russ Tamblyn), no bigger than a thumb, manages to outwit two thieves (Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers) determined to make a fortune from him.Musical adaptation of the fairytale, as tom thumb seeks to thwart the crooks who wish to exploit his size.
- DirectorPietro FrancisciMario BavaStarsSteve ReevesSylva KoscinaGabriele AntoniniWhile negotiating peace between two brothers contesting the throne of Thebes, an amnesiac Hercules is seduced by the evil Queen Omphale.Sequel to the original, with Steve Reeves back for more. It's a bit duller than the first.
- DirectorLes ClarkClyde GeronimiEric LarsonStarsMary CostaBill ShirleyEleanor AudleyAfter being snubbed by the royal family, a malevolent fairy places a curse on a princess which only a prince can break, along with the help of three good fairies.Disney hits the fairy tales again, and creates one of their scariest villains ever. Cruella Deville was a nun compared to Maleficent.
- DirectorHiroshi InagakiStarsToshirô MifuneYôko TsukasaAkihiko HirataA prince, framed for murder and starved for affection from his father, is sent on a quest.Toshiro Mifune stars as Shinto god Susanoo, in an adaptation of the Shinto creation legends of Japan.
- DirectorAleksandr PtushkoStarsUrho SomersalmiAnna OrochkoIvan VoronovThe evil witch Louhi kidnaps Lemminkäinen's sister to build for her a Sampo, a device that creates salt, grain, and gold. When Lemminkäinen fails to recover the Sampo, Louhi steals the sun, plunging the world into frozen darkness.Deservedly savaged by MST3K, though the original is a beloved work in Europe.
- DirectorJack SherStarsKerwin MathewsJo MorrowJune ThorburnAfter being shipwrecked, a man finds himself on an island inhabited by tiny people, who soon make plans for him.Kerwin Matthews stars as the travelling Dr. Gulliver, but the film only shows Lilliput and Brobdignag. Harryhausen did the effects, but the film isn't quite up to 7th Voyage standards. Great family fun, though.
- DirectorVincent J. DonehueStarsMary MartinCyril RitchardLynn FontanneIn this magical tale about the boy who refuses to grow up, Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick Tinkerbell visit the nursery of Wendy, Michael, and John Darling.TV version of the musical, with Mary Martin. Longtime favorite for the whole family. Sandy Duncan later played the role on Broadway.
- DirectorJack DonohueStarsRay BolgerTommy SandsAnnette FunicelloMary Contrary is set to marry Tom Piper when he is kidnapped by Roderigo and Gonzorgo, two goons working for the evil Barnaby who wants to marry Mary for her inheritance.Probably the best known film version, apart from the Laurel and Hardy film. Walt Disney produced this one, with regular Disney performers, including Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands. It's not quite a classic, though Ed Wynn is very memorable. Youcould do worse.
- DirectorHenry LevinGeorge PalStarsLaurence HarveyClaire BloomKarlheinz BöhmThe story of Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm, and three of their stories.Fun little romp through some of the classic tales of the Grimms, though a bit uneven at times.
- DirectorNathan JuranStarsKerwin MathewsJudi MeredithTorin ThatcherA farmboy-turned-knight must protect a princess from the schemes of an evil wizard.Kerwin Mathews is the hero, based on the Welsh legend. Very imaginative.
- DirectorBert I. GordonStarsBasil RathboneEstelle WinwoodGary LockwoodThe son of a sorceress, armed with weapons, armour and six magically summoned knights, embarks on a quest to save a princess from a vengeful wizard.Basil Rathbone and Gary Lockwood star in this rather low budget affair, which was the target of MST3K, and deservedly so. I suppose if you were a little kid it was fun, but it's a "so bad it's good" film for adults.
- DirectorByron HaskinStarsGuy WilliamsHeidi BrühlPedro ArmendárizTo marry Princess Jana, Captain Sindbad must battle deadly obstacles and fight El Kerim, the evil ruler who also wants to marry the princess.So-so Sinbad film, featuring Guy Willams as the Arabian sailor. It lacks the spark of Harryhausen.
- DirectorWolfgang ReithermanClyde GeronimiDavid HandStarsRickie SorensenSebastian CabotKarl SwensonA poor boy named Arthur learns the power of love, kindness, knowledge and bravery with the help of a wizard called Merlin in the path to become one of the most beloved kings in English history.Disney's take on the first part of TH White's The Once and Future King. It handles things well enough, though Disney was losing its luster at this point.
- DirectorDon ChaffeyStarsTodd ArmstrongNancy KovackGary RaymondThe legendary Greek hero leads a team of intrepid adventurers in a perilous quest for the legendary Golden Fleece.Harryhausen lends his talent to this retelling of the mythological hero, with Nigel Green as a rather odd choice for Hercules. The best part is the battle with the skeleton warriros, upping the ante from the 7th Voyage of Sinbad. Great stuff.
- DirectorGeorge PalStarsTony RandallBarbara EdenArthur O'ConnellA mysterious circus comes to a western town bearing wonders and characters that entertain the inhabitants and teach valuable lessons.Tony Randall stars as the carnival performer who takes a young boy into worlds of fantasy. Great favorite of many.
- DirectorGiacomo GentilomoStarsSergio CianiJany ClairAnna Maria PolaniHercules is summoned to oppose the evil Queen Samara, who has allied herself with aliens and is sacrificing her own people in a bid to awaken a moon goddess.Sold as a Hercules film here, with "Alan Steel" as the hero. There is a lot of crossover between Hercules and Machiste. These things are a bit light on mythology though, so I will skip most of the rest. They needed some monsters.
- DirectorRobert StevensonStarsJulie AndrewsDick Van DykeDavid TomlinsonIn turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father.Disney hit this one out of the park, adapting the beloved children's stories. Julie Andrews was the only person who could have pulled this off and does so wonderfully. The film is a tad long, and Dick Van Dyke's accent is notorious, but it's a true classic, with great scenes and wonderful songs. The film would inspire a lot of attempts to recreate the magic, from Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang to Dr. Doolittle, all of which failed.
- CreatorSol SaksStarsElizabeth MontgomeryDick YorkDick SargentA witch married to an ordinary man cannot resist using her magic powers to solve the problems her family faces.Elizabeth Montgomery is a witch who falls in love with a mortal. She reveals the truth to them on their wedding night (no, not that; she tells him that she's a witch). She promises not to use her powers, but finds ways around that promise, especially when their lives have been upended by Samantha's relatives. Dick York is husband Darren, though he had to leave the series for health reasons, with Dick Sargent replacing him. A daughter Tabitha and a son, Adam come along, also with powers. Agnes Moorehead is fantastic as Endora, Samantha's conniving mother.
- DirectorHarry KellerStarsTony RandallBurl IvesBarbara EdenAn architect buys an antique brass bottle that contains an ancient genie who's determined to fulfill his new master's every wish.Tony Randall is a struggling architect who releases a genie from a lamp and finds that his life is turned upside down. Burl Ives is the genie and Barbara Eden is the love interest. It's not too great a leap to see this as the inspiration for I Dream of Jeanie. Lots of light-hearted fun.
- DirectorCharles S. DubinStarsGinger RogersWalter PidgeonCeleste HolmAlthough mistreated by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella is able to attend the royal ball through the help of a fairy godmother.Tv adaptation of the Rogers & Hammerstein take on Cinderella, with Leslie Ann Warren and Stuart Damon (General Hospital, Champions). I remember seeing this as a kid and loving it.
- DirectorRobert DayStarsUrsula AndressPeter CushingBernard CribbinsAn Edwardian archaeologist and two companions stumble upon a lost city in East Africa, run by a beautiful queen whose love holds the promise of immortality.Ursulla Andress is Ayesha, from the novel by H Rider Haggard. Peter Cushing and Bernard Cribbins are also along, in this story of a hidden kingdom and an immortal queen. Fairly well done.
- CreatorSidney SheldonStarsBarbara EdenLarry HagmanBill DailyA United States astronaut finds his life vastly complicated when he stumbles on to a bottle containing a female genie.Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman star in this classic tv series. Hagman is Maj. Tony Nelson, an astronaut, who splashes down of course, and discovers a bottle, with Jeanie inside. Jeanie follows him home and turns his life upside down. Loads of fun, until they marry the couple and pretty much put an end to what made the series great.
- DirectorJonathan MillerStarsAnne-Marie MallikFreda DowieJo Maxwell MullerA girl named Alice falls down a rabbit-hole and wanders into the strange Wonderland.Well remembered tv version of the Lewis Carrol classic.
- DirectorHarald ReinlStarsUwe BeyerRolf HennigerSiegfried WischnewskiVolker von Alzey, the royal bard of the Burgunds (far greater then modern Burgundy), ruled by the Christian, papist king Gunther, who has two brave, loyal brothers and a sister Kriemhild, tells in rhyme the tale of Siegfried of Xanthen, who in the northern kingdom of the Lowlands was a forgery apprentice, till his jealous rival's attack made him drench his blade in blood, which made it all-splitting, the right means to slay the feared-most dragon, Rachnir, whose blood makes him, once bathed in it, invulnerable; Alberich, king of the Alves, whose helmet of invisibility he beats, shows him the dragon-protected ring of the Nibelungen, and he sets out by ship for Iceland, to awake its maiden queen Brunhild, but refuses to stay with her, returning southward to rule from Xanthen on the Rhine and seek himself a queen. Siegfried challenges Gunther at Easter to a duel for both realms, is however proposed instead a preferable marital alliance with Gunther's sister Kriemhild. Just after their betrothal invades Ludegast, king of the Saxons, who however swears allegiance to Burgundy when defeated but spared in duel by Siegfried. Now Gunther demands, for Kriemhild's hand, Siegfried gets him Brunhild as politically ideal bride for Burgundy. Siegfried manages this, but only by using more magic, which will later come at a terrible price...The German film industry was busy remaking Fritz Lang in this period, with both Dr Mabuse and the Niebelung. This is the rehash of part 1. It's not Lang.
- DirectorJoshua LoganStarsRichard HarrisVanessa RedgraveFranco NeroThe story of the marriage of England's King Arthur to Guinevere. The plot of illegitimate Mordred to gain the throne and Guinevere's growing attachment to Sir Lancelot, threaten to topple Arthur and destroy his "round table" of knights.King Arthur is brought to life in this adaptation of the Broadway musical, with Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, and David Hemmings. Decent stuff, with a great joust scene. Merlin and Mogan Le Faye are mostly left out of it.
- DirectorHarald ReinlStarsRolf HennigerSiegfried WischnewskiMaria MarlowNow Brunhild knows by which treason she was won for king Gunther of Burgund by Siegfried of Xanthen, and has been revenged by his foul murder by Hagen, more bloody revenge is inevitable. Hagen steals the Nibelungen-treasure to sink it in the stream and manages to kill Alberich and seize his invisibility-cap. Queen Kriemhild is packed of to an abbey so her son may grow up to become a prelate, but Hagen's men raid them and kill the child. She now accepts to become the wife of Etzel, king of the truly barbaric Hun nomads and invites the Burgund court nomenclature at their Danube court for their heir's baptism a few years later, but prepared a bloody conspiracy with her xenophobic brother-in-law behind her surprisingly chivalric husband's back, while Gunther accepts, hoping to avoid a far bloodier war, despite the danger for his party of knights, which materializes...Here's part 2 of the remake of Lang's Niebelung.
- StarsBarney PhillipsJanet WaldoJerry DexterNancy and Chuck find a ring in the desert in two pieces. When they are joined, Shazzan the genie appears. He will help them every time they get in trouble.The genie Shazzan helps out two teenagers in their adventures. Decent, if uninspired Hanna-Barbera stuff.
- DirectorRichard FleischerStarsRex HarrisonSamantha EggarAnthony NewleyAfter the animal communicating veterinarian goes too far for his clientele, he and his friends escape their hometown to the sea in search of the Great Pink Sea Snail.Rex Harrison stars as the children's literary vet, with Anthony Newley along for the ride. The film desperately wants to be Mary Poppins, but the music isn't up to it and the film lacks the charm. It has some visually spectacular moments, but they are spread rather thinly.
- DirectorKen HughesStarsDick Van DykeSally Ann HowesLionel JeffriesA down-on-his-luck inventor turns a broken-down Grand Prix car into a fancy vehicle for his children, and then they go off on a magical fantasy adventure to save their grandfather in a far-off land.Ian Fleming worte the book (Yep, the James Bond guy) and Harry Saltzman produced the film. Dick Van Dyke stars in this musical adaptation that desperately wants to be Mary Poppins, but can't succeed. There are some memorable numbers, and Van Dyke doesn't try an accent, but it doesn't quite gel. The Child Catcher is one of the truly scariest creations ever shown on film, more than any slasher movie monster or serial killer. This guy will creep you out your entire life and send kids screaming out of the room.
- DirectorGeorge DunningStarsPaul McCartneyGeorge HarrisonRingo StarrThe Beatles agree to accompany Captain Fred in his yellow submarine and go to Pepperland to free it from the music-hating Blue Meanies.The Beatles music is the basis for this animated adventure, where the band travels to a land that is being invaded by the Blue Meanies. It's all very psychedelic but plenty of fun. The lads from Liverpool are replaced by actors, including Geoffrey Hughes, best known as Onslow, on Keeping Up Appearances.
- DirectorCliff OwenStarsJohn RichardsonOlga SchoberováEdward JuddCarol, a beautiful young girl is possessed by Ayesha's spirit who was once the queen of Kuma. Ayesha's spirit gains control over Carol to achieve her malevolent goals.Sequel to the Ursulla Andress film, but she refused to return. Not quite up to the previous version.
- StarsShari LewisJay NorthPaul FreesA fugitive Arabian prince fights his villainous usurper as the leader of a special team of adventures.Part of the Banana Splits show, with adventures based on the Arabian Nights stories. Fairly typical Hanna-Barbera stuff.
- DirectorArthur Allan SeidelmanStarsArnold StangArnold SchwarzeneggerDeborah LoomisHercules is sent to Earth where he finds true love and starts a promising career in the bodybuilder business.Arnie's first film role, dubbed, as a rather dim-witted Herc who has been exiled to earth (shades of Marvel Comics' Thor). Arnold Stang is his sidekick. Laughably bad. Notice how long it took Arnold to get another leading role?
- CreatorMarty KrofftSid KrofftStarsJack WildBillie HayesLennie WeinribThe adventures of a boy trapped in a fantastic land with a dragon friend and a witch enemy.This Sid & Marty Krofft show was filled with fantasy. Young Jimmy has a magic flute that is coveted by a witch. She lures him out with a magic boat, which takes him out to sea, where the witch sends a storm. HR Pufnstuf and his rescue team get to Jimmy first, saving him from the witch. Each week, we had a different scheme from Witchiepoo (the witch's name) to get the flute, or some other scenario, putting her and her two stooges against Puf and his allies. It was great fun, if deeply psychedelic.
- DirectorOlle HellbomStarsInger NilssonMaria PerssonPär SundbergPippi Longstocking, a super-strong redheaded little girl, moves into her father's house Villa Villekulla, and has adventures with her next-door neighbors Tommy and Annika in this compilation film of the classic European TV series.Film compiled from the Swedish tv series, though it didn't translate very well. The books are definitely better, though little kids might enjoy it.
- StarsJane WebbJohn ErwinDal McKennonSabrina's involved with a band of monsters, The Groovy Ghoulies; a rock band with Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein; who scare people for their own amusement.The show featured Archie Comics' Sabrina, as well as characters based on the Universal monsters. The style was rather like Laugh-In. Sabrina appeared in her own cartoons, as well as cameoing with the Groovy Goolies, in sketches.
- DirectorMel StuartStarsGene WilderJack AlbertsonPeter OstrumA poor but hopeful boy seeks one of the five coveted golden tickets that will send him on a tour of Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory.David L Wolper acquired the rights to Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and got Dahl to do the script (with additions and revisions by others) and then got Anthony Newly to do the music. The end result is Pure Imagination. Gene Wilder embodies the enigmatic candymaker, who you never fully trust. Jack Albertson gets to have a ball as Grandpa Joe and Roy Kinnear gets to be the weak Mr. Salt. However, the glue that holds it together is the sincere performance of as Peter Ostrum as Charlie. Ostrum delivers the right note of heart and pathos and carries the emotion of the film. he was offered a 3 picture deal, but turned it down and walked away from acting, eventually becoming a vet. You have to admire such mature conviction in one so young. This one has it all over the Tim Burton attempt.
- StarsJane WebbDal McKennonHoward MorrisToon version of the Archie Comics witch who uses her powers to aide the uncertainty of adolescence.Sabrina and the Goolies were split up and she got to headline her own show, with re-runs of the previous cartoons, as well as new stories.
- CreatorMarty KrofftSid KrofftStarsCharles Nelson ReillyBillie HayesButch PatrickA boy finds himself trapped in a land populated by living hat-people which is ruled by a crotchety magician.Another Krofft show, where a young man sneaks backstage at a magic show to learn the magician's secrets, then sees his hat grow and accidently falls in. He is transported to a magic land, where the creatures are all hats (Yep, hats!). He runs afoul of an evili magician, Hoodoo, after stealing his magic ring, with a genie inside. It was as surreal as HR Pufnstuf, if not moreso. The Munsters Butch Patrick was the star, with Charles Nelson Riley as the magician. Billie Hayes (Witchiepoo in Pufnstuf) was the genie.
- DirectorRobert StevensonWard KimballStarsAngela LansburyDavid TomlinsonRoddy McDowallAn apprentice witch, three kids and a cynical magician conman search for the missing component to a magic spell to be used in the defense of Britain in World War II.Disney adapts a pair of British children's books about a witch who helps the war effort during the blitz. Angela Landsbury stars as Ms. price, the witch in question. It's typical Disney and tries to be Mary Poppins, but it never quite reaches that level, though it has many fine moments. Disney was quickly losing its luster, but this is still a pleasant little film.
- DirectorStephen WeeksStarsMurray HeadCiaran MaddenNigel GreenThe medieval legend of a supernatural knight who challenges the king's men to kill him.Nigel Green stars as the Green Knight, in this adaptation of the medieval legend. It's not bad, for the period. It just seems to lack a certain spark.
- DirectorGordon HesslerStarsJohn Phillip LawCaroline MunroTom BakerSinbad and the vizier of Marabia, followed by evil magician Koura, seek the three golden tablets that can gain them access to the ancient temple of the Oracle of All Knowledge.John Phillip Law steps into the role of Sinbad, and is better than he usually was. The film succeeds mostly due to Tom Baker as the evil wizard, though Caroline Munro makes for some nice eye candy. The fight with the animated statue of Kali is up there with the skeleton in 7th Voyage and the skeleton army in Jason.
- DirectorTerry GilliamTerry JonesStarsGraham ChapmanJohn CleeseEric IdleKing Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.The gang sends up the Arthur legends in their first movie of original material. Graham Chapman is well cast as Arthur, with everyone else as knights and other characters. It's essentially a series of sketches, with the Holy Grail as a linking device. Loads of fun, between Bolshie peasants, love starved maidens, Knights Who Say Nigh!, Yorkshire lords with weak sons, and more than a bit of wizardy and scary stuff. Even the credits are fun.
- DirectorJohn HoughStarsEddie AlbertRay MillandDonald PleasenceTwo mysterious orphan children have extraordinary powers and are chased by a scheming millionaire. But where do these kids really call home?This is a bit of a mix of sci-fi and fantasy, but tends to lean more towards fantasy. A pair of children with paranormal abilities are on the run, with the aid of Eddie Albert. Beloved favorite of 70s kids.
- DirectorGary NelsonStarsBarbara HarrisJodie FosterJohn AstinA mother and daughter find their personalities switched and have to live each other's lives on one strange Friday.Jody Foster and Barbara Harris are a mother and daughter who trade places after a wish. The film makes great use of Foster's talent and became one of Disney's biggest hits of the 70s. It was later remade with Jamie Lee Curtis.
- DirectorJules BassArthur Rankin Jr.StarsOrson BeanJohn HustonTheodore GottliebA homebody hobbit in Middle Earth gets talked into joining a quest with a group of dwarves to recover their treasure from a dragon.Rankin-Bass produced this animated adaptation, which didn't require 3 parts. Sure, it condensed things quite a bit, but that works better than padding things out to three films. Some of the voicework isn't the greatest, but its a pretty good adaptation. It's a little slow in parts.
- DirectorSam WanamakerStarsPatrick WayneJane SeymourTaryn PowerSinbad the Sailor sails to deliver a cursed prince to a dangerous island in the face of deadly opposition from the powerful witch Zenobia, her son and their several monsters.Golden Voyage had a future Doctor Who and this one has a past Doctor, Patrick Troughton. It also has the lovely Jane Seymour and the not quite as lovely Patrick Wayne. Little Duke is ok, but hardly feels like an Arabic hero. The evil witch is a decent villain and we get some decent monsters, including the minotaur.
- DirectorTerry GilliamStarsMichael PalinHarry H. CorbettJohn Le MesurierA young peasant with no interest in adventure or fortune is mistaken for the kingdom's only hope when a horrible monster threatens the countryside.Terry Gilliam's first non-Python movie, featuring Michael Palin (well, it wasn't completely Python-less) as a young man who goes questing for the monster the Jabberwocky, to impress a rather self-centered young woman. Plenty of medieval and fantasy satire, though much darker than Python's own work.
- CreatorJerry MayerStarsLisa HartmanRobert UrichMel StewartThis spin-off of Bewitched (1964) follows Tabitha Stephens; Samantha and Darrin's daughter as an adult.Later series with Tabitha Stevens (of Bewitched) all grown up, starring Lisa Hartman. It started out ok, but the scripts weren't that great and things fizzled quickly. In a continuity error, brother Adam was shown to be mortal, despite having powers in Bewitched. I don't recall any guest appearances from the original show.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherLuke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.You can call it sci-fi, space opera, or fantasy; but, it does have fairytale qualities. You have a farm boy, a wizard, and evil villain, a "castle" (the Death Star), warriors, a princess and magic (the Force), so it counts as fantasy, in my book. I'll skip the others in the series, as their fantasy elements aren't as strong as here.
- DirectorRalph BakshiStarsBob HoltJesse WellesRichard RomanusOn a post-apocalyptic Earth, a wizard and his faire folk comrades fight an evil wizard who's using technology in his bid for conquest.Ralph Bakshi's animated fantasy film about a pair of dueling wizards and the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit. Pretty good, though with a few slow parts. It was a staple of the midnight movie circuit.
- DirectorJohn HoughStarsBette DavisChristopher LeeKim RichardsTia and Tony visit Los Angeles, but he's quickly kidnapped by an evil scientist, leaving her to desperately search for him.The kids come back for a visit and find themselves separated, with the boy exploited by crooks Christopher Lee and Bette Davis. Yep, Bette Davis did a Disney film. It's decent fun.
- DirectorRalph BakshiStarsChristopher GuardWilliam SquireMichael ScholesThe Fellowship of the Ring embark on a journey to destroy the One Ring and end Sauron's reign over Middle-earth.Ralph Bakshi directed this animated attempt at Tolkien, but he ran out of money and only got through the first half of The Two Towers. It's a pretty decent attempt, though the photonegative orcs are a bit underwhelming. It would suffice until peter Jackson came along.
- DirectorKevin ConnorStarsChristopher LeeMilo O'SheaOliver TobiasAn evil magician seeks to gain power by obtaining a magic rose. A peasant boy and a Prince join forces to stop him.I remember trailers for this, but have never seen the film or seen it on any kind of video recording. It looked imaginative in the trailers, but I don't believe it was a hit.
- DirectorTerry MarcelStarsJack PalanceJohn TerryBernard BresslawWith the aid of his companions, a man seeks to defeat his evil brother who has taken a nun hostage.One of the early attempts at doing modern fantasy adventure, though with mixed results. The hero has a magic sword and fights his evil brother. Nothing earthshattering, though better than most of the post-Conan attempts at sword & sorcery.
- DirectorRobert GreenwaldStarsOlivia Newton-JohnGene KellyMichael BeckA struggling artist living in Los Angeles meets a girl who may hold the key to his happiness.Modern musical that tried to cash in on the roller disco fad, with less than spectacular results. It has a huge cult following, mostly due to the music and a few memorable set pieces. Olivia Newton John is a muse who has come down to Earth and lends inspiration to a young artist, who toils making posters and album covers. She brings him together with a dancer and entrepreneur to create a modern entertainment palace, Xanadu. The muse gets one final night for the grand opening. Gene Kelly gets to show off for one of the last times, in a fine number with Olivia. It's great in small moments, but not as a whole.
- CreatorSteve GerberStarsHenry CordenRobert RidgelyNellie BellflowerThundarr the Barbarian and his companions Ookla the Mok and Princess Ariel wander a devastated future Earth and fight evil wherever they find it.Great series, created by Steve Gerber (Marvel Comics' Howard the Duck). Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the hero Thundarr leads a band of freedom fighters who aid people in trouble. They often face sorcerers (who really use advanced science) and monsters (often products of the cataclysm) in their quest. Great stuff, with character designs from Jack Kirby and Alex Toth.
- DirectorJules BassArthur Rankin Jr.StarsOrson BeanJohn HustonTheodore BikelTwo Hobbits struggle to destroy the Ring in Mount Doom while their friends desperately fight evil Lord Sauron's forces in a final battle.Rankin-Bass returns to finish things, after Ralph Bakshi ran out of money. Unfortunately, if you weren't familiar with the story, you were dumped right into the middle of things. Like The Hobbit, things are condensed a bit; but, the key elements are here. This is what got me to read Tolkien in the first place. The minstrel who tells the story takes some getting used to. "Froooodddooo of the nine fingerrrrrrs, and the rrrriiiinnnng of doooooom!" John Huston is a great Gandalf, though.
- DirectorJohn BoormanStarsNigel TerryHelen MirrenNicholas ClayMerlin the magician helps Arthur Pendragon unite the Britons around the Round Table of Camelot, even as dark forces conspire to tear it apart.John Boorman directs this film, based on Le Morte D'Arthur. The cast was filled with then-unknowns (in the US and in film), like Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren, Liam Neeson, Gabriel Byrne; as well as veteran Nicol Williamson. Stage actor Nigel Terry is Arthur, though he is a bit too "stagey" in the film. Mirren steals every scene as a very sexy Morgan Le Faye. Well shot, though with some grisly scenes, including the conception of Arthur. Makes great use of Carmina Baruna.
- DirectorDesmond DavisStarsLaurence OlivierHarry HamlinClaire BloomPerseus must battle Medusa and the Kraken to save the Princess Andromeda.Harryhausen's last, with the story of Perseus (with a bit of Bellerophon thrown in). The acting is way over the top, but the monsters are quite good. However, a kraken is a giant squid, which is not what we get. Harry Hamlin isn't even up to Kerwin Matthews standards. Still better than the CGI remake.
- DirectorMatthew RobbinsStarsPeter MacNicolCaitlin ClarkeRalph RichardsonA young wizarding apprentice is sent to kill a dragon which has been devouring girls from a nearby kingdom.Excellent little film that was barely promoted. Peter McNicol is a wizard's apprentice, who must go in his master's place to help kill a dragon, to whom the kingdom sacrifices its daughters. The dragon is rather effective and McNicol makes for a decent, unassuming hero. Ralph Richardson steals every scene he is in. This used to be one of the few places you could see Ian McDiarmid without the Emperor make-up, until the Star Wars prequels.
- CreatorPeyoStarsDon MessickDanny GoldmanLucille BlissThe Smurfs are tiny blue creatures that live in mushroom houses in a peaceful forest. They repeatedly try to outwit Gargamel, an evil sorcerer, his apprentice, Scruple, and his mangy cat, Azrael.Based on Les Stroumphs, by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford (Peyo). Features a village of little blue creatures, and the evil wizard Gargamel who wants to destroy them. Fun for kids, but it's very repetitive and some of the running gags are massively annoying to anyone over the age of 7. That song will get stuck in your head and drive you insane.
- DirectorGerald PottertonJohn BrunoJohn HalasStarsRichard RomanusJohn CandyJoe FlahertyA glowing green orb that embodies ultimate evil terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories.Adapatation of sci-fi and fantasy stories from the magazine. The Richard Corben Den and the final sequence, Taarna (swiped from Moebius' Arzach tales) are the main fantasy pieces. Den finds a young boy transported to a barbaric world, where he is a well endowed hero. Taarna finds a silent warrior who is called to avenge the destruction of a city, by mutant marauders. These are some of the better segments of the film.
- StarsGeorge DiCenzoLinda GaryPatrick PinneyAn astronaut, stranded on a primitive planet in a distant universe, fights against the tyranny of the Overlord.An astronaut finds himself stranded on a barbaric world, where he becomes a warrior. Filmation's attempt to cash in on the success of Ruby-Spears' Thundarr (and Conan), but doesn't quite have the same imagination. It swipes from everyone, but is entertaining enough.