The People That Time Forgot (1977)

Synopsis:

After a message in a bottle from lost adventurer Bowen Tyler (Doug McClure, Humanoids from the Deep) is found, a newspaper finances an expedition to find the missing man, commanded by the intrepid adventurer’s friend and fellow explorer Ben McBride (Patrick Wayne, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger).

Reaction & Thoughts:

“The land will stop you, Ben. It’s alive.”

As you might have figured out, The People That Time Forgot is an adventure-filled sequel to The Land That Time Forgot (1974) — both movies are based on Edgar Rice Burroughs books, the American writer better known for creating Tarzan The Ape Man. I’m happy to say that the sequel is almost as good as the original — it’s a high-energy, entertaining production in the best B-movie tradition.

Just like the first movie, this sequel borrows elements from many period fantasy films, as well as Jules Verne movies like Disney’s 20000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) and Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959). The plot is a lot simpler the second time around (it feels more like an epilogue than a real sequel), but it has a nice Stanley-Livingstone feel to it, and the climax is deliciously over the top.

I’m sure the small budget gave the creative team a few headaches, but it looked as if the makers of the movie managed to make the most of a bad situation. The filmmakers effectively present a believable, colorful prehistoric world within the constriction of the film’s limited budget. It has some rough edges, but it is the kind of movie that feels like everyone had a blast making, and that kind of attitude is infectious.

The visual effects are a little more elaborate than that of the first film. You still get the paper mache prehistoric creatures, but the matte painting are lovely done. A big chunk of the movie takes place in a volcanic city, and those sequences are surprisingly good, providing much-needed support to the story. The last section of the movie almost transcends the shoestring budget, displaying plenty of creativity.

The music score by John Scott (Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes) adds an extra layer of excitement to the story, and Alan Hume’s (For Your Eyes Only) stylish camerawork belies the film’s humble production values. Finally, I liked the cast. Patrick Wayne is fine in the lead role (the character is a bit of a jerk, though), and Doug McClure’s extended cameo was nice. And it was funny seeing Sara Douglas as a proper English lady before she played heartless villainess Ursa in the Superman movies.

Conclusions & Final Thoughts:

It should be noted that this was the last film produced by Amicus, the famous British film company. Although The People That Time Forgot has as much depth as a Saturday morning cartoon show, the legendary studio’s swan song is a lot of fun if you are in the mood for a mindless adventure tale. In other words, this is your typical B-movie designed to give audiences a silly good time. Color, 91 minutes, Rated PG.

This is my contribution to The Hammer-Amicus Blogathon IV, hosted by Cinematic Catharsis and Realweegiemidget Reviews.

Theatrical Trailer: