Jules Verne's Rocket To The Moon (aka Those Fantastic Flying Fools) (1967)

Set in Victorian England, the famed American showman P.T. Barnum (Burl Ives) backs an idea to sent a projectile to the moon because he thinks he can make money off it. But the idea isn't as easy as it looks especially when a malicious opponent (Terry Thomas) plots to sabotage the impending flight. "Inspired" by the works of Jules Verne and directed by Don Sharp (KISS OF THE VAMPIRE). Jules Verne has nothing whatsoever to do with film. Several of Verne's novels were big hits (20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH) when adapted for the screen hence the "inspired by" credit. As to the film itself, it's more akin to IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD than anything in the Verne universe. Except there's not a laugh to be had in the whole movie. Is there anything worse than a "comedy" without laughs? On the plus side, it looks great. Reginald Wyer's (RATTLE OF A SIMPLE MAN) handsome wide screen lensing, the art direction and costumes are impressive. With Troy Donahue, Gert Frobe, Hermione Gingold, Daliah Lavi, Lionel Jeffries, Graham Stark and Dennis Price.