Around the World in 80 Days

Michael Anderson (1956)

174min

U Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Tony Sloman

An epic very much of its time, this vastly entertaining star-studded travelogue was put together (with some difficulty) by the great showman Michael Todd. The charismatic producer - best known today for marrying Elizabeth Taylor and then tragically dying not long afterwards in a plane crash - was awarded the best picture Oscar for his considerable pains. The cast, led by the ultra-urbane David Niven, couldn't be bettered, nor could the use of worldwide locations - 13 countries in all. And for those who find the movie's length a little daunting, Todd persuaded 46 guest stars to appear in supporting roles, and spotting them is a delight - they are then lovingly listed by titles maestro Saul Bass in a beautifully animated end-credits sequence.

Summary

Victorian gentleman Phileas Fogg wagers he and his loyal valet Passepartout can circumnavigate the globe in only 80 days. Oscar-winning period adventure, based on Jules Verne's novel, starring David Niven, Cantinflas and Shirley MacLaine, with cameo appearances by stars including Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra, Buster Keaton and John Gielgud.

Cast & Crew

Phileas Fogg David Niven

Passepartout Cantinflas

Princess Aouda Shirley MacLaine

Inspector Fix Robert Newton

Hesketh-Baggott Noël Coward

Fallentin Trevor Howard

Ralph Robert Morley

Monsieur Gasse Charles Boyer

Sporting lady Hermione Gingold

Dance hall girl, Barbary Coast saloon Marlene Dietrich

Steward Peter Lorre

Cabby John Mills

Bouncer, Barbary Coast saloon George Raft

Pianist, Barbary Coast saloon Frank Sinatra

Colonel Proctor Stamp John Carradine

Train conductor Buster Keaton

Foster John Gielgud

Railway official Ronald Colman

Narrator Edward R Murrow

Tourist Martine Carol

French coachman Fernandel

Flirt Evelyn Keyes

Achmed Abdullah Gilbert Roland

Achmed Abdullah's henchman Cesar Romero

Sir Francis Gromarty Cedric Hardwicke

Steamship company clerk Charles Coburn

Drunk in Barbary Coast saloon Red Skelton

Stationmaster Joe E Brown

First Mate of the Henrietta Andy Devine

Helmsman of the Henrietta Victor McLaglen

Revivalist Beatrice Lillie

Sporting lady's companion Glynis Johns

Director Michael Anderson

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: United Artists Corp. LtdAvailable on: video and DVD

Drama

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