Island at the Top of the World

About Island at the Top of the World

Released in 1974, "Island at the Top of the World" is a blend of adventure, action, and family elements. Set in the year 1907, the film follows an expedition to the Arctic led by Sir Anthony Ross (Donald Sinden, British explorer, in desperate search for his lost son who vanished while seeking a mythical island. The expedition crew includes Capt. John Brieux (Jacques Marin) and Prof. John Ivarsson (David Hartman), an archaeologist. They embark on the adventure in the hyper-advanced airship named "The Hyperion", and face giant killer whales, polar extremes, and a forgotten Viking civilization in their daring mission.

Making / Production

"Island at the Top of the World" was produced by Walt Disney Productions and was released by Buena Vista Distribution. Directed by Robert Stevenson and the screenplay was written by John Whedon, adapted from the novel "The Lost Ones" by Ian Cameron.

Actors

• David Hartman as Professor John Ivarsson - Hartman's performance depicted the wisdom and courage needed to lead the expedition in search of the mythical island.
• Donald Sinden as Sir Anthony Ross - Sinden played the role of a desperate father in search of his lost son, adding an emotive layer to the expeditionary narrative.
• Jacques Marin as Captain John Brieux - Marin brought to life the skilled and brave captain guiding the Hyperion through the polar perils.
• Mako as Oomiak - Played the role of a friendly Eskimo who becomes an integral part of the Arctic expedition.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was the last live-action film produced by Walt Disney, who died before the movie was released.
• The film was the inspiration behind the ride at Disneyland - the "Adventure Thru Inner Space".
• Despite its icy setting, the majority of the movie was filmed in sunny California.

Quotes

• “We have been up here at the top of the world, where a man could look around him and see just how small he is and how foolish it is for him to destroy himself.” - Sir Anthony Ross
• "There is gold everywhere, Brieux. Not the kind you can spend, but the kind you feel inside when you've done something you thought was impossible." - Professor John Ivarsson

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music and score were composed by Maurice Jarre, known for his adventurous and gripping musical tones that match the high-stakes adventure setting.
• Maurice Jarre was a three-time Academy Award winner, although not for this movie.