Clash of the Titans

What’s the Story?

This is the story of Perseus (Harry Hamlin), the son of Zeus (Laurence Olivier), king of the gods, and Danae, a mortal princess. As half god and half mortal, Perseus is the subject of great interest from Mount Olympus. Zeus is so angry when Danae and Perseus are thrown into the sea by Danae's father, King Acrisius, that he orders Poseidon to destroy Acrisisus' kingdom. When he grows up, Zeus sends Perseus a divine sword, shield, and helmet. A face speaks to Perseus from the shield, and tells him to fulfill his destiny, which he sees in the princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker). He helps Andromeda break a curse, and they are married. But she is cursed again when her mother says that Andromeda is more beautiful than the goddess Thetis. In order to save Andromeda, Perseus must survive a series of trials

Is It Any Good?

The special effects in CLASH OF THE TITANS are the best example of the fine work done by Ray Harryhausen. Before the days of computerized special effects, he led the field. In this movie alone he used many different techniques, including miniatures, animation, and optical effects. Some other examples of his work are Mighty Joe Young, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, and Earth vs. the Flying Saucers. Another one of his best is Jason and the Argonauts, also based on the Greek myths, which raises similar themes about free will.

This movie features many of the finest British actors, including Laurence Olivier (Wuthering Heights, Hamlet, Pride and Prejudice, A Little Romance) and Maggie Smith (The Pride of Miss Jean Brodie). Fans of television's L.A. Law will recognize Harry Hamlin as handsome attorney Michael Kuzak.