THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (Theatrical Release USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Stars ììì

The Poseidon Adventure—cool concept with visibly strong links to disaster films such as the 1974 production The Towering Inferno—easily earns 'worth watching' status. The characters seem a bit too polarized (i.e., Rogo’s (Earnest Borgnine) bombastic and rough manner offsetting Reverend Scott’s (Gene Hackman) sophisticated and clean manner). These character development challenges are further complicated by poor casting choices such as Leslie Neilsen, who acts the part of captain of a sinking ship. Neilsen naturally has mannerisms that have comedic value and this acting part does not require comedy.

Storyline

A tsunami hits the Poseidon, a passenger ship without its proper ballast load, and turns the ship upside down. A small group of survivors fight their way to the bottom of the ship in hopes of rescue.

Additional Thanks

Really good work for Director Ronald Neame and Co-director Irwin Allen. Thank you to Executive Producers Steve Broidy and Sherrill C. Corwin , Producer Irwin Allen, and Associate Producer Sidney Marshall for making the film possible. Additional casting includes: Martin (Red Buttons), Nonnie Perry (Carol Lynley), Acres (Roddy McDowall), Linda Rogo (Stella Stevens), Belle Rosen (Shelley Winters), Manny Rosen (Jack Albertson), Susan (Pamela Sue Martin), Chaplain (Arthur O’Connell), and Robin (Eric Shea).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie holds interest.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers