The Valley of Gwangi (1969)
James Franciscus stars in this fantasy western in which he leads an expedition to try and find the Forbidden Valley from which a tiny horse in a circus act was said to have originated.
The first half of the film is a bit average with much talk and cowboy stunt show antics, however things really come to life during the second as Ray Harryhausen's wonderful stop motion special effects take over from slightly stilted acting.
The story loosely plays out as a western remake of King Kong, perhaps unsurprising as it was initially a vehicle for that films Willis O'Brien but was shelved following his death. Ray Harryhausen's creatures are amazing especially Gwangi the deadly Allosaurus (Easily mistaken for a T-Rex for the uninitiated).
Highlights of the film include Franciscus and his cowboys trying to rope the Allosaurus in the desert and the fiery climax as said creature runs riot in a cathedral.
Although generally not loved as much as Harryhausen's mythological fantasies, The Valley of Gwangi has always proved a favourite round these parts.
The HMV Premium Collection Blu-ray looks outstanding.
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