Around the World in Eighty Days

Released in 1956, 'Around the World in Eighty Days' is a classic adventure film directed by Michael Anderson, featuring an all-star cast, including David Niven, Shirley MacLaine, and Robert Newton. The movie is an adaptation of Jules Verne's 1873 novel, 'Around the World in Eighty Days,' which tells the story of Phileas Fogg, a wealthy and eccentric English gentleman, and his remarkable journey to circumnavigate the globe within an incredibly tight time frame. At the beginning of the movie, the scene is set in Victorian England, specifically in London's Reform Club, where Phileas Fogg (played by David Niven) is known for his strict routine and adherence to schedules. Fogg is also known for his wealth and his ability to accurately calculate the probability of events. His life takes a dramatic turn when he reads in The Times that it is possible to travel around the world in 80 days. Fogg believes that he can accomplish this feat, which is considered impossible by many, and decides to wager a large sum of £20,000 to prove it. Fogg sets off with his trusted valet, Passepartout (played by Cantinflas), on an incredible journey that takes them to various parts of the world, including Paris, Bombay, Hong Kong, Yokohama, and New York. Their first challenge is to reach Paris on April 10, from where they plan to continue their journey. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles and setbacks, including inclement weather, missed trains and ships, and even a mysterious detective, Monsieur Fix, who seems to be on their tail. In Paris, Fogg meets his love interest, Madam De Souza, a Brazilian aristocrat, and Passepartout becomes infatuated with a young woman named Suzie Blakeney. The two travelers face a series of misadventures as they try to reach their destination, including a failed attempt to sail from Paris to Bombay. Fogg is forced to travel across the continent by land, which proves to be a grueling and perilous journey. As they cross the Indian Ocean, Fogg and Passepartout find themselves on a cargo ship, which is sailing from India to Hong Kong. On board, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a charming French naval officer named Detective Dumont. Fogg and Passepartout also have to deal with a mutiny on board, which they manage to resolve amicably. In Hong Kong, they encounter another obstacle when Fogg's money is stolen by a group of thieves. Fogg and Passepartout have to rely on their resourcefulness and cunning to recover their stolen money and continue their journey. They also have to navigate the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean, where they narrowly escape a shipwreck. After arriving in Yokohama, Fogg and Passepartout encounter Professor Wimpole and Lord John Sartain, who join their journey. Professor Wimpole's vast knowledge proves to be invaluable as they try to reach their destination. In San Francisco, they encounter one last unexpected challenge when they discover that Passepartout's fiancée, Suzie, has joined them on their journey. Finally, after traversing the Atlantic Ocean and facing a series of last-minute setbacks, Fogg and Passepartout board a train from Boston to New York, where they intend to board a ship back to London. However, when they arrive in New York, they find out that Fogg's wager has been compromised when the London Times publishes news of his 'failure' to make it back to London on time. Undeterred, Fogg decides to board a ship to England, but when they find out that the ship has departed without them, they quickly board a steamer to get back home. As the movie draws to a close, Fogg and Passepartout finally return to London, exhausted but triumphant. The final scene shows Fogg arriving at the Reform Club, where he finds his love interest, Madam De Souza waiting for him. In the end, Fogg's journey proves to be a testament to his determination, resourcefulness, and love of adventure. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, he managed to complete his journey within the allotted 80 days, thus winning the wager and cementing his status as a legendary traveler. The movie ends with Fogg and his companions celebrating their incredible achievement, surrounded by the opulence of the Reform Club.