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
Video
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The Ymir’s fight with an elephant and the Roman locations – especially the climactic Colosseum battle – add unique touches to this minor classic.
