Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Release date: 1963-06-19
Country: UK|USA
Language: English
Director: Don Chaffey
Production Co: Charles H. Schneer Productions
Genre: Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Rating: 7.3/10
Length: 1h 44min

Storyline

Jason has been prophesied to take the throne of Thessaly. When he saves Pelias from drowning, but does not recognize him as the man who had earlier killed his father, Pelias tells Jason to travel to Colchis to find the Golden Fleece. Jason follows his advice and assembles a sailing crew of the finest men in Greece, including Hercules. They are under the protection of Hera, queen of the gods. Their voyage is replete with battles against harpies, a giant bronze Talos, a hydra, and an animated skeleton army, all brought to life by the special effects wizardry of Ray Harryhausen.

Plot Keywords

giant monster, greek mythology, ancient greece, monster, mythology, island, kaiju, quest, skeleton, temple, theft, sword and sandal, teeth, sword, ruins, rescue from drowning, prophet, prologue, cult film, loss of family

Short Review

Special-effects buffs generally cite this 1963 effort by Ray Harryhausen as the master's masterpiece, and his work does a great deal to enliven the tired plot and vacuous stars.