American adventure comedy film Around the World in 80 Days was released in 1956. David Niven, Cantinflas, Robert Newton, and Shirley MacLaine are the stars of it. United Artists distributed the film, which was created by Michael Todd and produced by his company. The director was Michael Anderson. This tale was first published in a book by Jules Verne in 1873.
S.J. Perelman, John Farrow, and James Poe wrote the script. Victor Young was the pianist and composer. Technicolor and Todd-AO 70mm were under Lionel Lindon’s direction. A six-minute animated title sequence created by Saul Bass opens the film. It took home five Oscars, including the top prize for Best Picture.
Actors and Personalities
An A-list cast graces the screen in this picture. The self-controlled Englishman Phileas Fogg is played by David Niven. Cantinflas plays his energetic valet, Passepartout. Aouda, the Indian princess, is played by Shirley MacLaine. As the dogged investigator Inspector Fix, Robert Newton plays the role. There are cameos by a number of well-known actors.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Title | Around the World in 80 Days |
Release Year | 1956 |
Director | Michael Anderson |
Producer | Mike Todd |
Writers | James Poe, John Farrow, S.J. Perelman |
Based On | Jules Verne’s Novel |
Main Stars | David Niven, Cantinflas, Shirley MacLaine, Robert Newton |
Cinematography | Lionel Lindon (Todd-AO, Technicolor) |
Music | Victor Young |
Awards | 5 Oscars (Best Picture included) |
Notable Cameos | Frank Sinatra, Peter Lorre, Marlene Dietrich, Buster Keaton |
Reference | IMDb |
Summary of the Storyline
This is the £20,000 bet that Phileas Fogg makes. An 80-day circumnavigation of the globe is his wager. He is accompanied by his valet, Passepartout. They utilize a balloon, ships, and trains. Inspector Fix suspects Fogg is up to no good and follows them around the world.
The Most Impressive Parts of the Journey
- From London, Fogg and Passepartout set out for Europe, soaring above the Alps in a hot air balloon.
- Passepartout engages in a bullfight in Spain.
- They rescue Aouda from an arranged marriage in India.
- In America and Japan, Fogg encounters setbacks and attacks.
- New York: On the way back to England, they face a coal shortage.
- Fogg is arrested by Fix in Liverpool—until the real thief is caught.
- Fogg believes he has lost upon returning to London, but realizes just in time that he has actually won.
The Movie’s Distinctive Features
- Groundbreaking Filmmaking: This was shot in Todd-AO 70mm.
- Star-Studded Cast: More than forty famous actors and actresses appear.
- Massive Global Promotion: Produced by Mike Todd, it had a successful worldwide campaign.
- Award-Winning Film: Nominated for four Oscars and won Best Picture.
- Cultural Impact: Helped shape the action-adventure genre for future films.
Interesting Information
- Phileas Fogg’s initial pick for casting was David Niven.
- The role of Cantinflas was expanded significantly.
- The movie features numerous notable cameos.
- Its animated title sequence was revolutionary for its time.
- It remains a masterpiece adaptation even today.
The Movie’s Aftereffects
This classic adventure film endures the test of time. It inspired multiple television adaptations and remakes, and is still widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece.