A poetic evocation of the atmosphere of Jules Verne's mystical novels (particularly
The Deadly Invention), this Czechoslovakian feature draws its remarkable visual style from the work of early film magician Georges Melies. Mixing live action with the 19th-century engravings that
accompanied Verne's novels, the animators use a technique they called "Mystimation." The story concerns a scientist's kidnapping by pirates who want to exploit his knowledge of explosives. Originally released in 1958 in Czechoslovakia, the film was brought to the US by producer Joseph E. Levine,
who tagged on an introduction by Hugh Downs.
Released:
1958
Rated:
NR
Length:
83 mins