Master Of The World is a crazy implausible and wholly fascinating film. Although it is not in the front rank of expensive spectacles, it is a surprisingly imaginative sci-fi fantasy derived by Richard Matheson from two works by Jules Verne – the one that gives the film its title and Robur, The Conqueror.
Vincent Price plays Robur, a type similar to Nemo. He captains a huge airship (Albatross) and intends to end wars and the threat of war by using his “invincible power”.
Robur’s greatest threat, though, is not the world at large but that within Albatross.
A threat of another kind is provided by director William Witney who seems to have been unable to realise either the adventure or parody potential of the script. The scenes of talk and chatter are not handled too empathetically either. The appeal of the film is primarily visual, hence special credit to art director Daniel Haller for his creations.
There are a few moments of spectacle provided by snippets from newsreels and other features, including – of all things – shots from Alexander Korda’s production of The Four Feathers and Laurence Olivier’s Henry V.
The supporting cast includes Charles Bronson, Henry Hull and Richard Harrison. Mary Webster plays the heroine and figures in a rather tame romance.
Well worth seeing.
Robur
Vincent Price John Strock
Charles Bronson Prudent
Henry Hull Dorothy Prudent
Mary Webster Phillip Evans
David Frankham Alistair
Richard Harrison Topage
Vito Scotti Turner
Wally Campo
Director
William Witney
Video
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Vincent Price plays Robur, a type similar to Nemo. He captains a huge airship (Albatross) and intends to end wars and the threat of war by using his “invincible power”.
