The Lost Continent (1968 film)
Hammer adventure of killer seaweed and conquistador descendants.
The Lost Continent is a 1968 British adventure film produced by Hammer Films and Seven Arts. Directed, produced, and written by Michael Carreras, it is based on Dennis Wheatley's 1938 novel Uncharted Seas. The film follows the crew and passengers of the dilapidated tramp steamer Corita as they become stranded in a mist-enshrouded Sargasso Sea, facing killer seaweed, murderous crustaceans, and descendants of Spanish conquistadores and pirates.
- Box Office
- Lost money; the film reportedly needed a certain amount in rentals to break even but had made $1,100,000 by 11 December 1970
Quick Facts
- Director
- Michael Carreras
- Writer
- Michael Nash aka Michael Carreras
- Based On
- Uncharted Seas · Dennis Wheatley
- Starring
- Eric Porter / Hildegard Knef / Suzanna Leigh / Tony Beckley
- Music
- Soundtrack / Gerard Schurmann / Songs / The Peddlers
- Cinematography
- Paul Beeson
- Editing
- James Needs
- Studio
- Hammer Films / Seven Arts Productions
- Distributor
- Warner-Pathé
- Released
- df=yes · 1968 · 6 · 19 · US · 1968 · 7 · 27 · UK
- Runtime
- 91 minutes
- Country
- United Kingdom
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film's plot centers on Captain Lansen, who ignores a hurricane warning and a customs inspection because he is smuggling the explosive 'Phosphor B' (white phosphorus). His passengers include Dr. Webster and his daughter Unity, conman Harry Tyler, and Eva Peters, who has stolen bearer bonds to ransom her son. After an accident damages the ship, a mutiny occurs, and the survivors eventually find themselves adrift in a Sargasso Sea filled with carnivorous seaweed and prehistoric creatures. They are attacked by fur-clad barbarians and later encounter a Spanish galleon ruled by a child leader called 'El Supremo,' who is manipulated by an Inquisitor. Lansen ultimately uses his explosives to destroy the galleon and rescue his people.
Reader's Guide
The Lost Continent is notable as a Hammer Films production that blends adventure, horror, and prehistoric creatures, following the tradition of One Million Years B.C. It was rated X upon its initial release. The production faced challenges: a 175,000-gallon tank was built at Elstree Studios for sea scenes, director Leslie Norman was replaced by Michael Carreras, and the original score by Benjamin Frankel was rejected and replaced by Gerard Schürmann's music. The film was a financial loss for the studio, failing to reach its break-even rental target. Despite this, it remains a cult curiosity for its bizarre premise and unique mix of genres.
Did You Know?
- The film is based on Dennis Wheatley's 1938 novel Uncharted Seas.
- A 175,000-gallon tank was constructed at Elstree Studios to shoot the sea scenes.
- The original film score by Benjamin Frankel was rejected and replaced by Gerard Schürmann.
- The film had made $1,100,000 by December 1970.
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