CERT: U | PLATFORM: DVD, BLU-RAY (REVIEWED) | RELEASE DATE: APRIL 12TH
If you’re looking at this film’s title and thinking you’re sure Jules Verne never wrote a novel called Rocket to the Moon, then – you’re right. This 1967 production tacks his name onto an original story, which isn’t even that much of an adventure tale, as – slight spoilers – it doesn’t feature a successful trip to the moon.
But once you’re over that initial disappointment, you can appreciate Rocket to the Moon for what it actually is – a rather farcical comedy. Burl Ives’ P. T. Barnum (yes, the Greatest Showman guy, though it’s a less musical performance than Hugh Jackman’s) leads a committee of Victorian scientists tasked to design and launch the world’s first moonship. But, the group’s efforts are derailed at every step by saboteurs, spies, and technical failure.
The comedy largely consists of stuff exploding or falling apart, in a somewhat Looney Tunes manner, though there’s also an edge of satire; the great scientists of the British Empire turn out not to be so great, while corruption and capitalist greed cause their fair share of problems. The ensemble cast, including Lionel Jeffries, Gert Fröbe, and Terry-Thomas, make the most of the wacky material, and Daliah Levi, the main female star, gets a more fun and active role than you might expect.
This new restoration from StudioCanal provides a chance to watch this oft-forgotten movie in HD. The extras aren’t plentiful, but they are interesting – new interviews with Matthew Sweet and Kim Newman, who give context to the movie, and some archive behind the scenes footage.
