Based on the novel by Jules Verne of the same name, “Master of the World” is a terrific film that remains impressive several decades after its release. It’s an imaginative and engaging movie that is just not talked about and that is a true shame.

Set in 1868, government man John Strock (Charles Bronson “The Dirty Dozen”, “Death Wish”) enlists the help of some scientists to discover the source of a strange phenomenon. The group is soon kidnapped by Robur (Vincent Price “The Fly”, “The Ten Commandments”), a mad pacifist that hopes to end all war by threatening the armies of the world with destruction using his airship known as the ‘Albatross’.

Charles Bronson and Vincent Price are two of the most entertaining performers of their era so it was a great treat to see them together onscreen. Bronson plays the tough Strock, who likes to keep quiet while he nurtures his plan to stop Robur. Vincent Price is delightfully fiendish as Robur. Both Strock and Robur display a significant amount of respect for one another even though they know that their loyalties mean that they must be opponents. Henry Hull (“High Sierra”) is also highly enjoyable as Prudent, a scientist and weapons manufacturer. The other characters are very entertaining too.

The scenes of the Albatross on the attack really help make this feel like a truly global event. The Albatross itself is a fantastic vehicle and I just wished that it was real and that I could have a go on it. The effects throughout still look rather impressive and of course, the performances are wonderful. If you have not seen “Master of the World” then I strongly urge that you search for it. As I said, I think it is a real shame that this film is not given more attention because it definitely deserves it.