AT THE EARTH'S CORE (1976)

 To date AT THE EARTH'S CORE, even in the wake of JOHN CARTER, is probably still the film that most closely follows the plot of a Burroughs novel, though I confess I did not reread the book prior to re-viewing the movie.  Unfortunately, CORE is also horribly studio-bound, having been filmed entirely in Pinewood Studios.  Perhaps the producers thought that location shoots were not necessary, since Burroughs' essential idea is that the lost land of Pellucidar is enclosed within the earth's core.  However, the "forests" look about as convincing as the potted plant-jungles of old "Jungle Jim" films.  This time Connor's film does include two humanoid species from Burroughs' books, the Sagoths and the Mahars.  However, whereas in the book the Sagoths are apelike humanoids and the Mahars are evolved pterandons with formidable psychic powers, the makeup men on CORE portray the Sagoths as clownish figures with white faces, and the Mahars look like big parrot-creatures.  In addition, though I can blink at the FX of a lot of pre-CGI films, the Mahars look ghastly whenever the film calls upon them to "fly."

Only the stars redeem Connor's lackluster flick this time, principally Doug McClure as David Innes, the rich young backer who goes along for the ride when scientist Abner Perry (Peter Cushing) tests his drill-nosed vehicle, "the Iron Mole," for purposes of exploring the subterranean worlds.  McClure, who acquitted himself well enough as Tyler in LAND, shows more vivacity here.  Jittery scientist Abner is one of Cushing's wimpiest portrayals, and though Cushing brings some liveliness to the character, eventually the scientist beomes tedious.  The script plays up his comedy-relief appeal, for when the Mahars attempt to mesmerize Abner, he responds, "You can't hypnotize me!  I'm British!"  Romance is more crucial to the story, as David must not only navigate the dangers of Pellucidar but must also succor Dia, the obligatory hot pagan babe.  Despite the romantic angle, Caroline Munro as Dia is given litte to do and comes off largely as window-dressing.  I must admit that of these three films I did not see CORE in my youth, so its charms may be weaker on me for that reason.