Anyone who ever read a book by Jules Verne knows he could create some terrific adventures and through the course of his bibliography he took readers deep below the sea, into space, and flying through the air. Exactly what he had his characters do while they traveled in exquisite style varied wildly, but in Master of the World, a combination of two of his novels into one film, a group of hapless voyagers get hijacked by an ideologue, played by Vincent Price, and his dirigible equipped for a fanatical but noble purpose. Think of Master of the World like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea but instead of the Nautilus in the hands of Captain Nemo, it’s controlled by Captain Robur (Price), a militant anti-war activist hell-bent on a vendetta of worldwide disarmament.
Caught in the middle of this agenda of violence for non-violence’s sake are John Strock (Charles Bronson), the arms mogul (Henry Hull), his daughter (Mary Webster), and the sycophant trying to woo his daughter (David Frankham). As they come to terms with the plan they’ve become unwilling accomplices in, they begin to fracture with some parties sympathizing with his cause as others seek to end Robur’s crusade. The fantastical voyage is the prime example of feel-good adventure films and for all its cheesiness and over-the-top acting, it’s unendingly entertaining.
The master from which this copy was made was touted as “the best available” but unfortunately that says more about the lack of foresight of studios in the 50s and 60s than it does anything else. There’s lots of dirt on the film and consequently it’s a less than perfect viewing experience.
DVD Bonus Features
Master of the World is an entry in MGM’s “made on demand” DVD titles.
"Master of the World" is on sale August 23, 2011 and is not rated. Adventure, Sci-Fi. Directed by William Witney. Written by Richard Matheson (screenplay), Jules Verne (novels). Starring Charles Bronson, Vincent Price, Henry Hull.
