Beyond the Poseidon Adventure (1979) is a disaster film directed by Irwin Allen and starring Michael Caine, Sally Field, Karl Malden, and Telly Savalas. It is a sequel to the 1972 film The Poseidon Adventure, which is based on Paul Gallico's 1969 novel of the same name.
The film tells the story of a group of people who are trapped on the capsized ocean liner SS Poseidon after it is struck by a wave in the Atlantic Ocean. The group must race against time to escape the sinking ship.
In Beyond the Poseidon Adventure, a salvage team and a team of medics board the Poseidon in an attempt to rescue the survivors and salvage the ship's cargo. However, they soon find themselves trapped on the ship with the survivors.
The film was a critical and commercial failure upon its release, but has since developed a cult following among fans of disaster films. It is praised for its suspenseful plot, its strong performances, and its special effects.
In addition to its main plot, Beyond the Poseidon Adventure also explores several social themes. The film is a metaphor for the human struggle against the forces of nature and the importance of teamwork and cooperation. It also examines the themes of greed and ambition, as the salvage team is motivated by the desire to profit from the disaster.
The film also explores the theme of hope. In the face of certain death, the characters in the film must never give up hope. They must find the strength and courage to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds.
Cast
Salvage team:
- Michael Caine as Captain Mike Turner
- Karl Malden as Wilbur Hubbard
- Sally Field as Celeste Whitman
Greek medical rescue team:
- Telly Savalas as Dr. Stefan Svevo
- Paul Picerni as Kurt
- Patrick Culliton as Doyle
- Dean Raphael Ferrandini as Castorp
Poseidon passengers:
- Peter Boyle as Frank Mazzetti
- Angela Cartwright as Theresa Mazzetti
- Jack Warden as Harold Meredith
- Shirley Knight as Hannah Meredith
- Veronica Hamel as Suzanne Constantine
Poseidon crew:
- Shirley Jones as Nurse Gina Rowe
- Slim Pickens as Dewey "Tex" Hopkins
- Mark Harmon as Elevator Operator Larry Simpson
Director: Irwin Allen
Writers: Nelson Gidding
Box Office Gross: $84,563,118
Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox
Genre: Action Adventure Drama Thriller
Release Date: December 13, 1972