Prince of Space (1959)

 Prince of Space (1959) **/*****

A truly epic toku movie in which a time displaced Gatchaman battles Wario over the formula for rocket fuel with the fate of the earth in the balance. It doesn't really make any sense and is far less coherent than it really should be.  It has the exact same feel as a 15 chapter movie serial condensed down to an hour. 

Prince of Space (1959)

I don't exactly understand why a race of beings who are capable of interplanetary travel need an earth sourced fuel formula, but for whatever reason space Wario decides he needs it, which puts him into direct conflict with Prince Gatchaman and of course Earth.

Wario (Phantom Ambassador)


vs

Time displaced Gatchaman (Planetary Prince)

 

As for the plot, there's not much to tell, it boils down to Wario wanting a fuel formula which displeases Gatchaman who sets out to stop him. There are a few other characters, the obligatory children, who don't really serve a purpose aside from representing the child audience this was made for, a brainwashed and hypnotized double agent, and various scientists and henchmen. 

One thing to keep in mind is that this was originally a two part movie series, and this only seems to be part one or maybe an edit that condenses both parts into a single hour long movie. Either way the movie is very disjointed and the special effects don't help. They are extremely cheap looking and fail to impress. Whether it is because of budgetary reasons or an inexperienced crew, they never come across as anything but toys. 

The score is lackluster as well, almost sounding like stock music that was used in many cheap productions of the era. Though it is  credited to a Katsuhisa Hattori. It wouldn't be too out of place in a later era Universal Studios Classic Monsters picture or a Columbia serial. Though given the context of the movie itself, that was probably an intentional choice. Especially since this does seemingly take a lot of inspiration from the serials which only ceased production 4 years prior. If you enjoy this type of thing check out the late cycle Sci-Fi and Rocket Men serials of the early 50's.

Feeling like a movie serial is not a bad thing and is actually one thing in favor of this movie. Simple (If nonsensical) plot of good vs evil.  Clearly delineated good guys and bad guys no needlessly complicated romances. 

It also definitely shows its TV show origin roots, although the costume is modified and the movies have a different cast. I have never seen the tv series so I can't make an personal observations on the differences between the TV series and movies. 

Given that this was made for children, it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, entertain the kids and keep them occupied for an hour or so. For anyone over the age of 5 or not a fan of the genre, this is a pointless movie that does nothing to win over new converts. Quickly watched and just as quickly forgotten.

Sources: IMDB and Wikipedia