trimmerb1234 This 1961 film did not lack classic grand fantasy predecessors, most relevantly Disney's "20,000 Leagues under the Sea". Not everything that followed reached that standard but nothing prepared me for this cheap* and ineffective effort. The economy nature of the sets - the flying craft itself- resembles the standard of children's television of the era. Even the great Vincent Price appears diminished appearing as he does in the reduced circumstances of this film.This is B feature stuff in comparison with which the original Flash Gordon serials appear mightily impressive and certainly effective. Given the established high standards of Hollywood feature films and the skill at making low budgets for B features go a long way, it is unaccountable that something so comprehensively second rate in all departments could be released. Other reviewers complain about the weakness of the story. I couldn't summon up the interest to watch long enough to judge this.*The budget for "20,000 Leagues" was $5m in 1954, the budget for "Master of the World" was $500,000 in 1961

Rainey Dawn This is a neat little adventure film but not the best film to star Vincent Price or Henry Hull also Charles Bronson - but it is fun to watch. Henry Hull actually came out of retirement to co-star and that's a treat all in itself! It's sometimes funny - mainly the comedy comes from Topage the chef (played by Vito Scotti). Price and Hull are always good to watch which makes this film worth a looksy. Charles Bronson fans should get a kick out of seeing him in an earlier and different type of role from what we are used to seeing him cast in - but he's still a bit of a "tough guy" in it.I think this movie could make a fun adventure film afternoon with another Vincent Price film: 'War Gods of the Deep' aka 'City in the Sea' (1965).7/10

LeonLouisRicci A Movie that is a Constant Reminder of its Limitations. While Simultaneously Looking Charming and Cheap it Plods along with a Strong Character in Robur (Vincent Price) and an even Stronger Premise (Anti-War). Jules Verne was Somewhat of a Rage in Hollywood at the Time, but most of the Movies are Fairly Forgettable Today. They are Somewhat Anachronistic Costume Cinema going for a Youth Audience mostly, but were, for the Majority, rather Flat and only Mildly Interesting Considering the Fantastic Subject Matter.This one is Colorful and Occasionally Entertaining but Never Compelling. It is Forever Hampered by its only Mid-Range Budget and Flat Storytelling. Some Scenes are Worth a Look for some Retro-Retention. Using a lot of Back Projection and Stock Footage the Movie is Lackluster but not without its Energetic Half-Hearted Attempt at some Thrills.If Screened Back to Back with Harryhausen's Mysterious Island (made the same year), this one Stands Still and it Pales in Comparison. Not without some Viewing Interest it Remains as it was in 1961. Disappointing.

estabansmythe I remember seeing this escapist gem, "Master of the World" (1961)after Sunday School one morning when I was 10 or 11. I loved it! AIP's Big Gun, Vincent Price is a thoughtful & gentlemanly, I'll call him, anti-hero rather than bad guy or madman. This is because while he does indeed blow up ships, killing countless men, he's on a quest to end war and thus, the only people he kills are those who make war.Thinking back, this film's presentation of its writer, Jules Verne's, anti-war philosophy may have made a rather large impression upon me as I started reading about our war in a far-off place called Vietnam, circa 1965 or 1965. Who knows? Anyway, this is a rare motion picture: a serious American International Picture (AIP) film with a serious message.The film provides Charles Bronson with one of his earliest leading man/hero roles. He handles the role perfectly.Director William Whitney, who began his career directing Republic cliffhanger serials; and legendary horror/sci-fi/fantasy writer/screenwriter Richard Matheson and their cast play it seriously - as it should be played, the exception coming via Vito Scotti's fun, harried cook. AIP's in-house music director Les Baxter's score is also appropriate for the action.The special effects team (Tim Baar, Wah Chang, Pat Dinga,Gene Warren) do very nicely working within AIP's usual '60s budget constraints.The movie flows, it entertains, it even makes you think. This is a good movie!