Transatlantic Tunnel (1935)

A team of international scientists and engineers attempts to build a tunnel under the ocean.

Director:

Maurice Elvey

Writers:

Bernhard Kellermann (novel) (as B. Kellermann), Curt Siodmak (screen story) (as Kurt Siodmak)

Stars:

Richard Dix, Leslie Banks, Madge Evans

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Richard Dix	...	Richard McAllan
Leslie Banks	...	Frederick Robbins
Madge Evans	...	Ruth McAllan
Helen Vinson	...	Varlia Lloyd
C. Aubrey Smith	...	Lloyd
Basil Sydney	...	Mostyn
Henry Oscar	...	Grellier
Hilda Trevelyan	...	Mary
Cyril Raymond	...	Harriman
Jimmy Hanley	...	Geoffrey McAllan
George Arliss	...	Prime Minister of Great Britain (as Mr. George Arliss)
Walter Huston	...	President of the United States (as Mr. Walter Huston)

Storyline

Engineers Richard McAllan and Frederick Robinson manage to get financial backing for a gigantic project to build a tunnel from England to America. His biggest supporter is Varlia Lloyd, daughter of one of the backers, and she uses her influence more than once to keep the project going. Mack's wife Ruth is also supportive, although his constantly being away on the tunnel project strains their marriage, and affects his relationship with their son. After years of financial skulduggery and physical obstacles under the ocean floor, the tunnel proceeds as Mack's marriage and his friendship with Robbie deteriorate.

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Plot Keywords:

tunnel builder | drilling machine | transatlantic tunnel | troubled marriage | dead son | 

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Taglines:

The next wonder of the world is the wonder of the movie world

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

November 1935 (UK)

Also Known As:

Transatlantic Tunnel

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gaumont British Picture Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Full Range Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the movie's fictional time line, the Channel Tunnel was built in 1940. The real opening date of the "Chunnel" was 1994.

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Quotes

Richard 'Mack' McAllan: There are bigger things than money.
Airways Magnate: We don't deal in 'em.

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Crazy Credits

At the end of the opening credits, a card comes up with "Gaumont-British Picture Corpn. Ltd. were fortunate in securing the services of Mr. George Arliss and Mr. Walter Huston for the parts of Prime Minister of Great Britain and President of the United States."

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Connections

Version of Der Tunnel (1915)

User Reviews

Amazing idea, well-executed film

The concept of the movie is very basic: the building of a tunnel connecting the eastern United States with the island of Great Britain. If this were actually possible, it would probably have been done long before now -- but this film is an excellent portrayal of the possibilities. It's quite entertaining for not only fans of old movies, but for history buffs as well -- and even students of transportation should enjoy it!