A spaceship returning from the first manned space flight to Venus crashes near Sicily, releasing a fast-growing reptilian beast that rampages through Rome in one of animation master Ray Harryhausen’s best fantasy films, and his own personal favourite.
The snake-tailed giant Ymir monster is also one of Harryhausen’s finest creations: it has a well-defined personality and manages to evoke sympathy for its bewildered plight.
The Ymir’s fight with an elephant and the Roman locations – especially the climactic Colosseum battle – add unique touches to this minor classic.
Calder
William Hopper
Marisa
Joan Taylor
Dr Leonardo
Frank Puglia
Dr Judson Uhl
John Zaremba
General AD McIntosh
Thomas Browne Henry
Police commissioner
Tito Vuolo
Signore Contino
Jan Arvan
Sharman
Arthur Space
Pepe
Bart Bradley
Director
Nathan Juran
