The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

About The Poseidon Adventure

'The Poseidon Adventure' is a 1972 American disaster film directed by Ronald Neame, produced by Irwin Allen, and based on Paul Gallico's eponymous 1969 novel. The plot revolves around the S.S. Poseidon, a luxurious ocean liner that capsizes due to a rogue wave. As the ship tips over, a motley group of passengers and crew must fight for their lives, navigating through the upside-down wreckage and aiming to reach the bottom (now the top) of the ship for rescue.

Making / Production

The movie was filmed on the Queen Mary ship. The interior of the Poseidon was recreated to simulate the aftermath of the wave impact and capsize. The production was highly challenging due to the scale of water sequences, and filming often took place in a nearly upside-down set.

Actors

• Gene Hackman as Rev. Frank Scott - An unorthodox parish priest who is seen as the rebel hero, leading the survivors to safety.
• Shelley Winters as Belle Rosen - A former championship swimmer who uses her skills to save the group at a crucial moment.
• Ernest Borgnine as Detective Lt. Mike Rogo - A pragmatic policeman who often clashes with Scott but eventually recognizes his leadership.
• Stella Stevens as Linda Rogo - Rogo's ex-prostitute wife who delivers a powerful performance in the face of adversity.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is considered one of the greatest disaster films of all time.
• The water seen flooding into the Grand Ballroom was 1.5 million gallons of water.
• Irwin Allen, the film's producer, directed the underwater sequences himself.

Awards

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning a Special Achievement Academy Award for Visual Effects. It was also nominated for other categories including Best Supporting Actress (Shelley Winters) and Original Score.

Quotes

• "We're in the middle of the North Atlantic. Now, how long do you think you can tread water?" - Rev. Frank Scott
• "It was the greatest adventure of my life." - Belle Rosen

Music, Soundtrack

• The film’s score was provided by composer John Williams, who would later become famous for his work on Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park.
• The theme song, "The Morning After," sung by Maureen McGovern, won the 1972 Academy Award for Best Original Song and became a chart-topping hit.