Mysterious Island 4

Starts like a typical episode of GUNSMOKE, then turns into a decent little showcase. The catalyzing plot device is suspect (Civil War escapees on a stormy balloon ride to an uncharted island), but these things aren't meant as historical documentaries. They crash-land, tip a mutated crab into a steam crater, and start building a shelter. As luck would have it, two ladies wash ashore and civilize the boys as they find better shelter in a cliffside cavern. THEN the special effects get going! I've always loved the scene where the giant bumblebee comes in for a landing and walls up the young couple in a honeycomb. The octopus near the end is Ray's best (murky, but fluid), but the multi-colored ostrich thing was not. Herbert Lom (who, in this, doesn't have the brain of a minkey) comes in as Captain Nemo, and saves everyone from volcanic destruction at the clumsy expense of himself (a steel girder on his ship smashes down on top of him). Overlooked by the Academy, but remains a fun way to kill two hours on a weekend.