I'm surprised by the number of positive reviews of this film. I think we tend to give old films benefit of the doubt since we can never see them in the same context as they were meant to be seen, i.e. as some one in 1943. I found this film to be weak in plot and rambling. I'm sure the special effects were revolutionary for the day, and the film had an extravagant budget. Unfortunately for many films with those characteristics the plot was completely overlooked and butchered in the attempt to patch all of the effects together in a cohesive story (sound familiar, Lucas?). The acting, in contrast to the extravagant costume and effects, seemed unprofessional and frivolous.
If you think I'm being too harsh, take a look at its contemporary, "The Wizard of Oz." It had similar scope in terms of effects, commentary on society, yet far more expertly executed and coherent in its acting and plot. Maybe I'm being too harsh. Maaaaybe. But this film was created after "Wizard," and I think the producers could have endeavored a bit more to match its standards of quality.
I'm curious to know if this film has survived the test of time in Germany as "Wizard" has in the USA.
If you think I'm being too harsh, take a look at its contemporary, "The Wizard of Oz." It had similar scope in terms of effects, commentary on society, yet far more expertly executed and coherent in its acting and plot. Maybe I'm being too harsh. Maaaaybe. But this film was created after "Wizard," and I think the producers could have endeavored a bit more to match its standards of quality.
I'm curious to know if this film has survived the test of time in Germany as "Wizard" has in the USA.