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The Poseidon Adventure

1972, Movie, PG, 117 mins

The Poseidon Adventure: Review

This picture started the disaster film craze of the 1970s, but few proved to be as successful in depicting the incredible situations, or as profitable at the box office, as THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE. Producer Allen had his biggest successes on television, where he oversaw the production of classics including THE TIME TUNNEL and LOST IN SPACE. He brought his idea that audiences enjoy seeing dangerous, suspenseful situations, and it turned into a financial success. Though many of the situations seem totally implausible to the discerning eye, the majority of audiences were quite taken in. During a New Year's Eve celebration aboard a luxury liner, a tidal wave capsizes the ship, killing all but 10 people. Led by Hackman, a priest who believes in action instead of prayer, the 10 make their way through electrical conduits, air shafts, and a blazing engine room before they reach the bottom of the ship. Along the way Hackman loses his life to allow the others to reach safety. The cast members play their roles effectively, keeping any form of dramatic action down to a minimum. A well thought-out script and fine direction keep a steady amount of tension, which doesn't let up until the survivors are rescued. The sequel was BEYOND THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE made in 1979 by Warner Bros. The film won a Special Effects Oscar and the tune "The Morning After" nabbed the Best Song award. The film was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Winters), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Sound, Best Score, Best Film Editing and Best Costume Design. leave a comment