This 1964 production has several things going for it: an interesting premise of 19th century astronauts exploring the moon, the always-satisfying special effects from master creator Ray Harryhausen, and a great Laurie Johnson score. Though Bernard Herrmann was originally sought for the production, the studio couldn't afford his asking price; thus, Johnson filled in and produced a great accompaniment for the on-screen activities.
The first half of the movie is a bit light, as it deals with Mr. Cavor (Lionel Jeffries), developer of "Cavorite" and his recruitment of Mr. Bedford (Edward Judd) and his fiancé' "Kate" in the planning of an excursion to the moon. The humor is adequate but the movie doesn't really "lift off," literally until the moon ship heads for the moon.
Upon arrival on the moon, the crew meets the inhabitant, the ant-like "Selenites" and their fantastic world below the moon's surface. An encounter with a "moon calf," along with an "audience" with the Selenite leader, are just two of the marvelous effects in this movie.
Though not one of the best of Harryhausen's works, it is still an enjoyable treat for sci-fi fans and a family film that stands the test of time.
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