Crack in the World
| Crack in the World | |
|---|---|
 1965 US Theatrical Poster | |
| Directed by | Andrew Marton |
| Produced by |
|
| Written by |
|
| Starring | |
| Music by | Johnny Douglas |
| Cinematography | Manuel Berenguer |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release dates |
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Running time | 96 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $875,000[1] |
Crack in the World is a 1965 American science-fiction doomsday disaster movie filmed in Spain. It is about scientists who launch a rocket in the Earth's core to research its geothermal energy but accidentally unleash a cataclysmic destruction that threatens to sever the earth in two. It was released by Paramount Pictures on February 24, 1965.[2]
Plot
An international consortium of scientists, operating as Project Inner Space in Tanganyika, Africa, is trying to tap into the Earth's geothermal energy by drilling a very deep hole down to the Earth's core. The scientists are foiled by an extremely dense layer of material at the boundary between the two. To penetrate the barrier and reach the magma below, they intend to detonate an atomic device at the bottom of the hole.
The leader of the project, Dr. Stephen Sorenson (Dana Andrews), who is secretly dying of cancer, believes that the atomic device will burn its way through the barrier, but the project's chief geologist, Dr. Ted Rampion (Kieron Moore), is convinced that the lower layers of the crust have been weakened by decades of underground nuclear tests, and that the detonation could produce a massive crack that would threaten the very existence of Earth.
The atomic device is used and Rampion's fears prove justified, as the crust of the Earth develops an enormous crack that progresses rapidly. Sorenson discovers that there was a huge reservoir of hydrogen underground, which turned the small conventional atomic explosion into a huge thermonuclear one that was millions of times more powerful. Another atomic device is used in the hope of stopping the crack, but it only reverses the crack's direction. Eventually the crack returns to its starting point at the test site, and a huge chunk of the planet outlined by the crack is expected to be thrown out into space. Sorenson remains at the underground control center to record the event despite pleas by his wife Maggie to evacuate with the rest of the project staff. She and Rampion barely escape in time to observe the fiery birth of a second moon. Its release stops the crack from further splitting the Earth.
Cast
- Dana Andrews as Dr. Stephen Sorensen
- Janette Scott as Dr. Maggie Sorensen
- Kieron Moore as Dr. Ted Rampion
- Alexander Knox as Sir Charles Eggerston
Production
Shooting took place in and around Madrid, which was chosen for its lower production costs. Production lasted about seven weeks. The film's technical adviser was producer Glasser's neighbor, a geologist.[1]
Reception
Variety wrote that it is more believable than the usual science fiction premise and praised its special effects.[3] Howard Thompson of The New York Times called it "the best science-fiction thriller this year".[4] Time Out London called it "awesomely credible" and described the ending's imagery as disturbing.[5]
See also
References
- 1 2 Weaver, Tom (2006). Science Fiction Stars and Horror Heroes. McFarland & Company. p. 123–126. ISBN 9780786428571.
- ↑ "Crack in the World(1965)". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
- ↑ "Review: 'Crack in the World'". Variety. 1965. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
- ↑ Thompson, Howard (May 13, 1965). "British Twin Bill". The New York Times. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
- ↑ "Crack in the World". Time Out London. Retrieved October 21, 2015.