One Million B.C. | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Hal Roach Hal Roach Jr. |
Written by | Mickell Novack George Baker Joseph Frickert |
Produced by | Hal Roach D. W. Griffith |
Starring | Victor Mature Carole Landis Lon Chaney Jr. |
Narrated by | Conrad Nagel |
Cinematography | Norbert Brodine |
Edited by | Ray Snyder |
Music by | Werner R. Heymann |
Production company | |
Distributed by | United Artists |
Release date |
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Running time | 80 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Box office | $462,730[2] |
One Million B.C. is a 1940 American fantasy film produced by Hal Roach Studios and released by United Artists. It is also known by the titles Cave Man, Man and His Mate, and Tumak.
The film stars Victor Mature as protagonist Tumak, a young caveman who strives to unite the uncivilized Rock Tribe and the peaceful Shell Tribe, Carole Landis as Loana, daughter of the Shell Tribe chief and Tumak's love interest, and Lon Chaney Jr. as Tumak's stern father and leader of the Rock Tribe. Chaney's billing differs from that of his home studio Universal Pictures in that Hal Roach elected to retain the "Jr." instead of billing him under his father's name, possibly because Roach was co-directing the film with his own son Hal Roach Jr.
The film was a popular success and was nominated for two Academy Awards for its special effects and musical score, although the film is controversial for its use of live animals dueling.