Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
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94% of critics liked it
(34 reviews) -
72% of users liked it
(21,925 ratings)
Greek mythology is done up brown by the special-effects expertise of Ray Harryhausen in Jason and the Argonauts. Jason (Todd Armstrong), rightful heir to the throne of Thessaly, is spared from death through the intervention of the goddess Hera (Honor Blackman). The other celestial inhabitants of… More Greek mythology is done up brown by the special-effects expertise of Ray Harryhausen in Jason and the Argonauts. Jason (Todd Armstrong), rightful heir to the throne of Thessaly, is spared from death through the intervention of the goddess Hera (Honor Blackman). The other celestial inhabitants of Mount Olympus watch in amusement as Hera surreptitiously aids Jason in his search for the Golden Fleece. Obstacles to this goal include a giant come-to-life statue named Talos, the screeching harpies plaguing blind prophet Phineas (Patrick Troughton), a set of huge clashing rocks, the seven-headed hydra, and an army of skeletons (this bravura climactic sequence assured Harryhausen's place in the hearts of 13-year-old boys of all ages). Supporting characters include Nancy Kovack as a pre-infanticide Medea and Nigel Green as a pacifistic Hercules. Bernard Herrmann's surging musical score was icing on the cake for this greatest of all Ray Harryhausen creations. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Don Chaffey
- Written By
- Beverley Cross, Jan Read, Apollonious Rhodios
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy
- In Theaters
- Jun 19, 1963 Limited
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Variety Staff, Variety
The $3 million film has a workable scenario and has been directed resourcefully and spiritedly by Don Chaffey, under whose leadership a colorful cast performs with zeal.
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Tom Milne, Time Out
Great fun, as these things go, with a Bernard Herrmann score to boot.
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Howard Thompson, New York Times
This absurd, unwieldy adventure -- if that's the word -- is no worse, but certainly no better, than most of its kind.
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Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
A great adventure movie... presents spectacle in the most wide-eyed, awe-inspired register.
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, Total Film
One of Ray Harryhausen's finest moments, the remarkable special effects are still pretty impressive even in today's CG-shaped world.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Todd Armstrong
as Jason
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Nancy Kovack
as Medea
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Gary Raymond
as Acoustus
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Laurence Naismith
as Argus
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Niall MacGinnis
as Zeus
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Michael Gwynn
as Hermes
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Douglas Wilmer
as Pelias
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Honor Blackman
as Hera
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John Cairney
as Hylas
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Patrick Troughton
as Phineas
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Andrew Faulds
as Phalerus
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Nigel Green
as Hercules
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John Crawford
as Polydeuces
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Douglas Robinson
as Euphemus
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Nando Poggi
as Castor
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Jack Gwyllim
as King Aeetes
- Jack Gwillim

