From The Earth To The Moon (1958)

Starring Joseph Cotten, George Sanders, Debra Paget, Don Dubbins, Henry Daniell
Directed by Byron Haskin
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)

In 19th century America, a brilliant inventor plans to test a powerful new explosive by firing it at the moon, but when persuaded otherwise, he modifies his plans to travel there in a spaceship.

Based on a novel by Jules Verne, this is a rather disappointing misfire considering the quality of the source material and the talent in front of and behind the camera.  Although the picture starts out with promise, setting up a worthy conflict between Cotten and Sanders as well as an impressive demonstration of the "Power X" explosive, and introducing us to a well-designed rocketship, once the characters take off on the rocket, the film takes a turn for the worse.  Lackluster special effects, overly technical explanations that are difficult to follow, and the ill-conceived re-use of "electronic tonalities" from Forbidden Planet take over from that point on, robbing the film of the excitement the screenplay had built up.  According to Wikipedia, the film's studio, RKO Radio Pictures, went into bankruptcy and had to sell the film off to Warner Brothers for its release, so perhaps budgetary concerns played some role in the finished product.   

The Haunted Palace (1963)

Starring Vincent Price, Debra Paget, Lon Chaney, Jr., Frank Maxwell, Leo Gordon
Directed by Roger Corman
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)

A century after the villagers of Arkham burned an evil warlock at the stake, his descendant inherits the warlock's palace and is possessed by the evil man's spirit.

Although promoted as another Edgar Allan Poe adaptation for star Vincent Price and director Roger Corman, Wikipedia indicates this is in reality an adaptation of a H.P. Lovecraft horror story, although one of Poe's poems is incorporated into the screenplay.  As such it's far different from the rest of Price and Corman's Poe films, avoiding the gothic sense of dread prevalent in those adaptations, with the focus on the warlock's schemes for revenge and to mate innocent female victims to supernatural demons.  As with the other Poe/Corman movies, the set design is first rate, and this entry boasts a music score by Ronald Stein which I enjoyed and found perfect for the film.  Although it ends in a rather ambiguous conclusion, and the demon's appearance at the film's climax is rather disappointing, this is a nice departure from the norm for the Poe series, and I enjoyed it on that level.

Most Dangerous Man Alive (1961)

Starring Ron Randell, Debra Paget, Elaine Stewart, Anthony Caruso, Gregg Palmer
Directed by Allan Dwan
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)

A gangster caught in an atomic blast not only survives it, but finds it has mingled his atoms with that of a steel tower, turning him into an indestructible man.

Not a film too distinguished in any regard but nevertheless still very watchable, this low-budget effort from veteran director Dwan could have been something special had more money been put into the makeup or effects, although a scene where Randell is electrocuted still comes off pretty well.  The story's paper thin and some of the dialogue is near comical, but a strength is the fine casting, with Caruso perfect as a mob boss, Paget and Stewart very lovely as the ladies in Randell's life, and Tudor Owen a nice fit as the scientist trying to help him.  Ultimately, the low budget dooms the film, with stock footage taking over at the climax, but I still enjoyed it.