MASTER OF THE WORLD (1961)
Channel 4, 10.05am
Vincent Price relishes a classic mad scientist role in this enjoyably barmy Victorian sci-fi thriller, directed by William Witney and based on two Jules Verne novels. The twist in Master of the World is that Price’s Captain Robur is a fanatical humanitarian who declares war on mankind in the name of peace.
But his plans to wreak havoc from his gigantic airship are thwarted by Charles Bronson’s geologist and Henry Hull’s millionaire munitions manufacturer. Ludicrous but fun, despite hammy acting and cheap special effects. (102min)
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INSIDE OUT (1975)
Channel 4, 1.40pm
Telly Savalas and James Mason lead the cast of Peter Duffell’s cheerfully cynical Cold War caper movie about a plan to recover a long-buried stash of Nazi gold from the depths of Communist East Germany. The Kojak star essentially retreads his role from the Second World War romp Kelly’s Heroes, ably assisted by Robert Culp and an enjoyably poker-faced Mason. Inside Out is rather clunky and dated, but the 1970s fashions and East Berlin backdrop should appeal to fans of retro chic. (97min)
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TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE (1983)
Sci-Fi, 10pm
A multi-chapter homage to the classic spooky TV show from four big-name directors, Twilight Zone: The Movie is a mixed bag. Remaking a quartet of vintage episodes between them, Steven Spielberg, John Landis, George Miller and Joe Dante deliver plenty of comic thrills and special effects.
The opening sections are the weakest, but the quality improves significantly in the second half, especially in Miller’s supercharged portrait of a terrified air passenger (John Lithgow). The film’s release was overshadowed when one of its stars, Vic Morrow, and two child actors died in a helicopter accident during the shoot. (120min)