Crack in the World (1965)

A dying scientist pushes forward his project to tap through to the Earth's magma layer, with results that threaten to destroy the Earth as we know it.

Director:

Andrew Marton

Writers:

Jon Manchip White (story), Jon Manchip White (screenplay),

Stars:

Dana Andrews, Janette Scott, Kieron Moore

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Dana Andrews	...	Dr. Stephen Sorenson
Janette Scott	...	Dr. Maggie Sorenson
Kieron Moore	...	Dr. Ted Rampion
Alexander Knox	...	Sir Charles Eggerston
Peter Damon	...	John Masefield
Jim Gillen	...	Rand
Gary Lasdun	...	Markov
Alfred Brown	...	Dr. Bill Evans
Mike Steen	...	Steele
Emilio Carrere
Sydna Scott	...	Angela
John Karlsen	...	Dr. Reynolds
Todd Martin	...	Simpson
Ben Tatar	...	Indian Ambassador

Storyline

Dr. Stephen Sorenson plans to tap the geothermal energy of the Earth's interior by means of a thermonuclear device detonated deep within the earth. Despite dire warnings by fellow scientist Ted Rampion, Dr. Sorenson proceeds with the experiment after secretly learning that he is terminally ill. This experiment causes a crack to form and grow within the Earth's crust, which threatens to split the Earth in two if it is not stopped in time.

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Plot Keywords:

scientist | magma | film footage | protective body suit | moon | 

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Taglines:

Science miscalculates... underground Atom Bomb explodes earth's core... and the world totters on the brink of destruction!

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Genres:

Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 April 1965 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ein Riß in der Welt

Filming Locations:

C.E.A. Studios, Madrid, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

$873,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Security Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

As Doctor Sorensen's secret illness progresses, he is increasingly handicapped in visible ways... bandages around his hands, dark glasses indoors, etc. Yet no one notices. No other scientist, trained in observation comments. And the woman he is married to, says nothing, noting nothing is changed, despite his obvious deteriorating physical condition.

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Goofs

After Rampion arrives on the ocean floor in a deep sea vehicle to investigate eruptions caused by the missile's explosion, he uses his camera's flash mode while taking photos of the eruptions. But the eruptions are very bright, making flash unnecessary. Also, the flashes would reflect off the vehicle's window, resulting in prints showing nothing.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Dr. Maggie Sorenson: But, Sir Charles, the project entrance is half a mile further on!
Sir Charles Eggerston: I know, Mrs. Sorenson. I wanted to stop here to take a better look at THAT. That's your drill tower, isn't it?
Dr. Maggie Sorenson: Yes, it is.
Sir Charles Eggerston: What's that missile doing up there? I thought we came here to discuss with your husband the POSSIBILITY of using an atomic warhead.
Dr. Maggie Sorenson: HALF a missile, Sir Charles. If you look closely, you'll see it's not armed.

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Connections

Referenced in The Core (2003)

User Reviews

Flawed science, but a fun movie...

Yes, let's put this to bed right away. The scientific premise is flawed. We now know that the crust of the Earth is not a solid shell, but riddled through with many cracks. Not only are these not harmful, they are an essential component and feature of a geologically active world. It is how the Earth renews itself, builds land, and promotes life. There is little mankind can do in the way of "cracking" the Earth that the Earth has not done itself, many times over, in much greater magnitude. But, that said, this is still a fun movie.

The pace of action and buildup to the spectacular climax is first-rate. I found myself just waiting for the next disaster to make itself manifest, be it an earthquake, volcano, tsunami, or all three. The underlying message is still sound: mankind should use caution in tinkering with the forces of nature. A time-worn premise, to be sure, but no less valid today. We as a species are young and have much to learn, by being aware of the hidden forces of nature and the unintended consequences of good-intentioned tinkering.

The cast is quite good. Sci-fi stalwart Dana Andrews is the featured player, of course, but the other actors do some good work. For it's time, the special effects are well-done. Like any well-paced disaster film, as the action races to a climax, we find ourselves pulling for the "good" guys against, hey, wait a minute, there are no "bad guys", just the unleashed forces of nature, knowing no good or evil, just following their natural course. It's a fun twist and makes you think.

Overall, it's hard not to recommend "Crack in the World" for a fun couple of hours' escapism and entertainment. Just suspend the disbelief a bit and go along for the ride.