The Land Unknown
“BEHIND A BARRIER OF ANTARCTIC ICE... A PARADISE OF HIDDEN TERRORS!”
Synopsis
Navy Commander Alan Roberts is assigned to lead an expedition to Little America in Antarctica to investigate reports of a mysterious warm water inland lake discovered a decade earlier. His helicopter and its small party, including reporter Maggie Hathaway, is forced down into a volcanic crater by a fierce storm. They find themselves trapped in a lush tropical environment that has survived from prehistoric times.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Land Unknown ≣ 1957 ≣ Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-06-22
Top Cast
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Jock Mahoney
Commander Harold 'Alan' Roberts
Shirley Patterson
Margaret 'Maggie' Hathaway
William Reynolds
Lt. Jack Carmen
Henry Brandon
Dr. Carl Hunter
Douglas Kennedy
Capt. Burnham
Phil Harvey
Machinist's Mate Steve Miller
Kenner G. Kemp
Officer at Briefing / Officer on Ship (uncredited)
Bing Russell
Radio Operator (uncredited)
Bert Stevens
Officer at Briefing (uncredited)
Tom Coleman
Man at Briefing (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 30, 1957
Wide Cinema Exhibition
April 11, 2023
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Virgil W. Vogel
- Screenplay & Story
- László Görög
- Original Score
- Henry Mancini, Herman Stein, Heinz Roemheld, Hans J. Salter
- Original Title
- The Land Unknown
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 18m
- Production Studios
- Universal International Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Virgil W. Vogel
László Görög, William N. Robson, Charles Palmer
Henry Mancini, Herman Stein, Heinz Roemheld, Hans J. Salter
Ellis W. Carter
Fred MacDowell
William Alland
Department Leadership Roster
Virgil W. Vogel
Director
László Görög
Screenplay
Ellis W. Carter
Director of Photography
Henry Mancini
Original Music Composer
Herman Stein
Original Music Composer
Heinz Roemheld
Original Music Composer
William Alland
Producer
Fred MacDowell
Editor
Hans J. Salter
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Land Unknown.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Land Unknown.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Land Unknown
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Land Unknown about?
Navy Commander Alan Roberts is assigned to lead an expedition to Little America in Antarctica to investigate reports of a mysterious warm water inland lake discovered a decade earlier. His helicopter and its small party, including reporter Maggie Hathaway, is forced down into a volcanic crater by a fierce storm. They find themselves trapped in a lush tropical environment that has survived from prehistoric times.
Who directed The Land Unknown?
The Land Unknown was directed by Virgil W. Vogel.
Who stars in The Land Unknown?
The principal cast of The Land Unknown includes Jock Mahoney, Shirley Patterson, William Reynolds, Henry Brandon, Douglas Kennedy.
When was The Land Unknown released and how long is it?
The Land Unknown was released in 1957 with a total runtime of 1h 18m.
Who composed the musical score for The Land Unknown?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Land Unknown was composed by Henry Mancini, Herman Stein, Heinz Roemheld, Hans J. Salter.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Land Unknown?
The Land Unknown holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.).