The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

Hands down, this is the best movie (and was one of the first) to come out of the seemingly endless cycle of disaster movies that dominated box offices during the 1970s. It could even be argued that Titanic owes some of its success to the precedent set by this 1972 blockbuster starring Gene Hackman as a priest who leads a small group of survivors to safety from the bowels of a capsized luxury liner. From its stellar cast to its cheesy, Oscar-winning theme song, The Morning After, the movie has all the ingredients of a popular classic, beginning with a New Year's Eve celebration aboard the ill-fated Poseidon and ending as a pop allegory when the Hackman character becomes a Christ-like martyr. Filmed on spectacular sets where everything down is up and the ship's thick hull points in the direction of salvation, this is "a waterlogged Grand Hotel" (in the words of New Yorker film critic Pauline Kael) that is as entertaining as it is unabashedly brainless. The Poseidon Adventure is filled with performances that rise above the limits of the screenplay. It's also the only movie--unless you count her underwater corpse in Night of the Hunter--that lets Shelley Winters strut her stuff as an aquatic heroine. Who could ask for anything more? --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com essential video

A Classic - One of the Best Disaster Films of All Time

Simply because of the sheer grandeur with which this film was made by mega producer Irwin Allen, you have to overlook the cliches and stereotypes that fill the cast. Shelley Winters shines as Mrs Rosen, and even received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her performance. The basic plot - as if it needs to be told - involves a group of people trying to survive the terrible disaster which occurs aboard the S.S Poseidon when the ship is struck by a gigantic wave on New Year's Eve and turns completely upside down. The upside down set-pieces are exquisite, and still remain very realistic and convincing - as do the actions of, and the interactions between the survivors - by today's standards. If you enjoy disaster films then you'll love it. Fans of Shelley Winters, Gene Hackman or Ernest Borgnine will also enjoy it. If you've seen the remake Poseidon, then you might want to check out the original to see how its done. Five stars! February 18, 2008

IRWIN ALLEN'S BEST DISASTER!

When I was growing up at the Jersey shore in Wildwood, I had a friend who's uncle worked for the company that owned the movie theaters in my area. This meant I could pretty much go to the movies whenever I wanted for free. I must have seen this movie at least 10 times that summer! This is a pretty cool movie even with some over acting by some big stars. The remake was awful and the new special edition for this version is very good and has some interesting extras. I know some would like to see a 5.1 mix, but really, I have watched many older film get that treatment and sometimes it barely makes a difference! August 6, 2007

A classic .....

I saw this movie on television while I was a teenager ... quite an action-packed flick in its day and worth owning just because it was the first one made. I also own both of the remakes and enjoyed seeing how the years altered the basic plot here and there.

Highly recommended for nostalgia's sake ... watch all three Poseidon movies in order on a Sunday afternoon and see the boat always sink and the few passengers survive and escape (differently in each, and in all three equally entertaining). Fascinating! :-)
June 12, 2007

MORE than a simple disaster/adventure flick

Irwin Allen's 1972 "The Poseidon Adventure," based on the book by Paul Gallico, pretty much started the disaster film craze in the 70s (e.g. "Earthquake" and "The Towering Inferno"). Gallico's inspiration for the story reportedly came from his personal experience on a vessel that almost capsized.

THE STORY: After a tidal wave capsizes an ocean liner on New Years Eve, ten survivors struggle to make it to the hull (which is actually the bottom of the ship) to possibly find a way out through the stern. The fact that everything's upside down presents major obstacles.

WHAT WORKS: The picture features a stellar cast. The major protagonist is Gene Hackman (fairly young and with hair) who plays fiery rebel preacher Rev. Scott. Scott looks down on prayer and passive faith while advocating a get-off-your-butt-and-TRY-to-win philosophy. He's at odds with Detective Rogo, played by a fit Ernest Borgnine. They're at each other's throats the entire film because, as Rev. Scott points out, they're two of a kind and Rogo doesn't like what he sees when he looks at Scott.

Both Hackman and Borgnine are nothing short of outstanding in their roles.

Leslie Nielson is perfect in the serious (minor) role of the Captain of the ship. If you don't think Nielson can play a serious role, think again.

One of the definite highlights of the film for red-blooded males is the three scantily-clad damsels in distress: Pamela Sue Martin (i.e. "Nancy Drew"), Stella Stevans and the incredibly lovely Carol Lynley. Be attentive and you'll observe that Pamela's character (Susan) dearly loves Rev. Scott; it's attention to detail like this that makes for great films.

Also on hand are: Red Buttons, Roddy McDowall, Shelly Winters and Eric Shea as Pamela's likable little brother. All the characters are great and you really start to CARE for them.

The sequence where the vessel topples over showing the revelers fall/slide to the ceiling is superb. The sets of the slowly sinking, upside down ship are very realistic.

The score by John Williams is perfect and memorable.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: I've heard people criticize that some of the dialogue is silly and even campy, but -- c'mon -- we all KNOW people that act and speak just like this (or worse).

COMMENTARY: If all you're looking for is a great disaster/adventure flick you'll definitely get that but, as my title blurb points out, "The Poseidon Adventure" offers much more. At the very heart of the picture is the universal question: Why does a good God allow suffering and tragedy? Rev. Scott is a strong believer in God and His absolute goodness, yet he witnesses unspeakable tragedies and death after death. At the beginning, when all is calm, you'll sense that he's ALREADY a bit on-edge, but as the story progresses and the misfortunes mount his personal anger slowly surfaces and comes to the boiling point. The ending is incredible, potent and tear-inducing: The surviving members are almost homefree and yet another obstacle presents itself. Rev. Scott suddenly turns his entire focus to God Himself and "has it out" while attempting to save the others.

Highly recommended and worthy of repeat viewings. May 3, 2007

The Poseidon Adventure

Great classic TV film. A must have for all action film fans. April 7, 2007

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