Journey To The Center Of The Earth Parent Guide
Parent Movie Review
Some gifts are more appreciated than others. For Professor Oliver Lindenbrook (James Mason), the ornate inkwell from his adoring colleagues doesn’t compare with the lava specimen a faithful student bestows upon him. The teacher of geological and natural history wastes no time examining the unusual rock. Within the crusty mass he finds an artifact belonging to a long lost explorer, with an inscription about his journey to the center of the earth.
Full of excitement, the Scottish professor prepares to follow in the footsteps of the intrepid adventurer with Alec McEwen (Pat Boone), his favorite pupil, in tow. But the pair doesn’t realize that they are not alone in their quest.
Some murderous competition forces the Edinburgh expedition to take on three new companions: Mrs. Carla Goetaborg (Arlene Dahl), the widow of a prominent scientist, Hans Belker (Peter Ronson), a handy Icelandic hulk and Gertrude ... his pet duck. Feeling weighted down with the extra baggage, Lindenbrook leads the exploration party into a volcanic tunnel where dangers and delights await.
Facing such perils as falling rocks, flooding caverns, a gun toting villain, and man-eating monster lizards, the subterranean world may frighten young viewers, even though the 1957 special effects look pretty cheesy by today’s standards. Nor does the script ever cumber itself with too much scientific fact. This, coupled with Pat Boone’s character occasionally breaking into song, may make it difficult for older audiences to take the movie seriously.
However, this adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel does present an entertaining adventure story, with little violent or sexual content. It also provides an opportunity to examine the consequences of greed. Compared to the trend in more recent theatrical offerings, that may be Journey to the Center of the Earth’s most appreciated gift.
Starring James Mason,Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl, Peter Ronson. Running time: 132 minutes. Updated July 17, 2017
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Journey To The Center Of The Earth
Rating & Content Info
Why is Journey To The Center Of The Earth rated G? Journey To The Center Of The Earth is rated G by the MPAA
Overall: B
A group of scientific adventurers set out on an expedition to find the center of the earth. Along the way they encounter danger from both the world above and below. Although the special effects have not aged very well, this Jules Vern adaptation is still timeless.
Violence: B
A startled woman falls (without injury) from a ladder. An inpatient man shouts at hired help. A kidnapped character is hit on the head and thrown down a chute into a storage area where he is held captive. Two dead bodies are seen. A murderous plot is discussed. A gun carrying character shoots another but not fatally. Characters’ safety is threatened by falling rocks, earthquakes, floods, whirl pools and volcanic eruptions. Salt is thrown into a character’s eyes. Execution is discussed. Large man-eating lizard like creatures are stabbed and speared, or eat each other (blood is shown). A pet’s life is threatened. A character tries to choke another. A skeleton is shown.
Sexual Content: A-
Couples exchange kisses on several occasions. The bare chests of some male characters are shown. A woman’s ripped blouse exposes some cleavage. Women’s underwear is briefly discussed. Some mild sexual innuendo occurs.
Language: A-
At least: 3 terms of deity and 2 mild profanities.
Alcohol / Drug Use: A
Poison is the suspected cause of a murder.
Miscellaneous Concerns:
Some chauvinistic remarks about the abilities of women are made. Characters face the possibility of starvation and the fear of being lost.
Page last updated July 17, 2017
Journey To The Center Of The Earth Parents' Guide
In the film, young McEwen tries to explain man’s curiosity with the unknown. Why do you think people risk their lives to explore new frontiers? Would you be willing to do so?
How did greed contribute to the many misadventures of this expedition?
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Journey To The Center Of The Earth movie is March 3, 2003. Here are some details…
Related home video titles:
A journey through time can be explored in the 1960 film, The Time Machine. For another Jules Verne tale adapted to the screen, check out 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
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