Cast
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Victor Mature
as Tumak
Carole Landis
as Loana
Lon Chaney Jr.
as Akhoba
John Hubbard
as Ohtao
Mamo Clark
as Nupondi
Inez Palange
as Tohana
Edgar Edwards
as Skakana
Nigel De Brulier
as Peytow
Conrad Nagel
as Narrator
Jacqueline Dalya
as Ataf
Mary Gale Fisher
as Wandi
Norman Budd
as Rock Person
Harry Wilson
as Rock Person
John Northpole
as Rock Person
Lorraine Rivero
as Rock Person
Crew
Director
- Hal Roach
- Hal Roach, Jr.
Producer
- Hal Roach
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Told by way of a retrospective, this is quite a fun story of prehistoric man and for once, Victor Mature is pretty much in his element. He plays "Tumak" who is exiled by his "Rock" tribe and takes refuge with the far more refined "Shell" people where he settles down and marries "Loana" (Carole Landis). Unfortunately for him, he manages to get exiled from there too - so returns to his old tribe, with his new wife, and tries to pacify them and their nasty leader Lon Chaney Jr - all under the menacing threat of an active volcano. It has precious little dialogue for the star to chew his way through, and the special effects are actually quite decent - plenty of dinosaurs (lizards in close-up), wooly mammoths etc. with enough action to keep it moving along quite well until a lively conclusion.
Jun 23, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Fantasy/Action/Adventure/Science Fiction film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, One Million B.C. distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Hal Roach brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1940, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of One Million B.C. took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 102 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1940, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While One Million B.C. shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ancient Warriors, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, One Million B.C. subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Giant of Metropolis and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II explore similar territory, One Million B.C. stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 5, 1940
- Runtime: 1h 20m
Where to Watch
