Story: As a team of astronauts prepare to embark on a journey to the moon, the world celebrates the first band of people to land on the moon. The United Nations has been behind the trek from the start, which means it has plenty of funds, equipment, and minimal downsides. The mission goes off like clockwork and the team lands on the moon, but much to their surprise, they discover they weren’t the first humans to explore the lunar surface. The crew uncovers a British flag and a claim made on the moon for Queen Elizabeth, which means someone not only beat them to the moon, but did so long ago and kept the mission under wraps. So once they’ve returned, the team uses what little information they have to track down a member of that mission, who turns out to be Arnold (Edward Judd), a man who has never had anyone believe his incredible tale about the moon. But how did Arnold manage to explore the moon before anyone else?

Entertainment Value: This is a fun one, a Victorian era sci/fi adventure that involves lunar exploration and has special effects from Ray Harryhausen. The story is interesting and plays out well, so there are no pacing issues or dull stretches whatsoever. Even when the sci/fi takes a bit of a backseat in First Men in the Moon, the movie remains solid and never disappoints. But the highlight for me was the special effects, with a wide scope of creations from Harryhausen and his crew on showcase. The space travel segments look so cool, the moon monsters are a great design and are fun to watch, while other Harryhausen touches are sprinkled throughout, so there is a good deal of effects works to be seen. As magical as the special effects are, First Men in the Moon is so much more as well, with a great story from H.G. Wells, a wonderful cast, and production design elements that really bring the tale to life. I had a great time revisiting this classic and I am certain I will revisit it again and again, so it easily earns a high recommendation.

The cast of First Men in the Moon is a terrific ensemble and everyone seems game for the material, so there is energy and enthusiasm in the performances. Edward Judd is immense fun to watch here and he runs with the role, making the most of the character. His exchanges with his costars are on point and that carries to the rest of the cast as well, as everyone seems to play off everyone else with great skill. That creates a natural flow to the dialogue and by turn, the narrative that really enhances the entire picture. Lionel Jeffries is also a pleasure to watch in this one and he steals more than one scene, his effort is that good here. The cast also includes Martha Hyer, Norman Bird, and Hugh McDermott.

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