Journey to the Center of the Earth

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Year: 1959

Runtime: 132 mins

Language: English

Director: Henry Levin

FamilyAdventureFantasyMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseSci-fi monster and dinosaur adventures

A fabulous world below the world An Edinburgh professor and assorted colleagues follow an explorer’s trail down an extinct Icelandic volcano to the earth’s center.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Journey to the Center of the Earth yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

Trace every key event in Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Lindenbrook receives the heavy rock

In 1880 Edinburgh, Professor Lindenbrook is given a heavy volcanic rock by his admirer Alec McEwan. Alec hopes to win Lindenbrook's favor and help him win the heart of his niece Jenny. Inside the rock Linden discovers a plumb bob and a cryptic inscription left by Arne Saknussemm, hinting at a journey to the Earth’s center.

1880 Edinburgh
2

The inscription spurs an expedition

Lindenbrook translates the inscription and learns that Saknussemm ventured to the center of the Earth. He resolves to follow in the Icelandic pioneer's footsteps. He enlists Alec to join the voyage and prepares for an extraordinary journey.

1880 Edinburgh
3

Göteborg pursues the center first

Professor Göteborg, Lindenbrook's rival, seeks to reach the center before them. He dispatches his team toward Iceland to beat them to the discovery. The pursuit foreshadows the dangers they will face on the journey.

1880 Iceland
4

Kidnapping and rescue in Iceland

Göteborg and his assistant capture Lindenbrook and Alec and imprison them in a cellar. They are rescued by local Hans Bjelke and his pet duck Gertrud, who stumble upon the scene and free the prisoners. The daring escape shifts the balance of the expedition.

1880 Iceland
5

Göteborg's murder revealed

Lindenbrook later discovers Göteborg dead in his hotel room, suggesting foul play. Potassium cyanide crystals found in Göteborg's goatee lead Lindenbrook to conclude he was murdered. Carla Göteborg, the widow, enters the story to safeguard her husband's work.

1880 Iceland
6

Carla joins with equipment

Carla provides vital equipment, including Ruhmkorff lamps, but only if she accompanies the expedition to protect her husband's reputation. Lindenbrook reluctantly agrees, and Hans and Gertrud decide to join as well. The group now heads into the unknown with new allies.

1880 Iceland
7

Descent begins from Snæfellsjökull

On a specific date, they mark the sunrise's exact location on Snæfellsjökull and descend into the Earth following Saknussemm's markings. They are not alone, as Count Saknussemm, Göteborg's killer, trails them in secret. The expedition presses on into the subterranean world.

1880 Snæfellsjökull, Iceland
8

Alec encounters the Count

During the descent, Alec becomes separated and comes face to face with Count Saknussemm. When Alec refuses to be the Count's servant, the Count shoots him in the arm. Lindenbrook tracks the trail of gunfire by following the echoes to find them.

1880 Inside the Earth
9

Trial and captivity of Saknussemm

Lindenbrook captures Saknussemm and conducts a quick trial for murder. The group sentences him to death, but no one is willing to carry out the execution, so the Count is kept along as an unwelcome member of the expedition. The dynamic tension with the Count continues as they proceed.

1880 Underground
10

Subterranean ocean and raft crossing

They reach a subterranean ocean and build a raft to cross it. They narrowly escape a family of dimetrodons and watch their raft circle a large mid-ocean whirlpool. The crossing marks a turning point toward the Earth's inner world.

1880 Subterranean ocean
11

The center region and reaching the far shore

The explorers reach the opposite shore after enduring the grueling journey to the center. The narrative highlights magnetic forces that tug at metal and cause exhaustion. They press onward toward the surface, driven by the promise of escape.

1880 Center of the Earth
12

Atlantis and Saknussemm's fate

In the sunken city they discover Atlantean ruins and Saknussemm's skeleton, with his right hand pointing toward a volcanic chimney. An updraft suggests a path to the surface, but a rock obstruction blocks the way. Lindenbrook uses Saknussemm's gunpowder to blast the barrier and continues toward the exit.

1880 Atlantis ruins
13

Escape and surface reveal

A massive lava-driven ascent carries the group toward the surface. They are ejected from the volcanic chimney area and emerge away from the lava eruption. They survive the peril and reach the outer world.

1880 Surface
14

Return to Edinburgh as heroes

Back in Edinburgh, they are hailed as heroes, though Lindenbrook declines honor because they have no documented evidence. Alec marries Jenny, and Lindenbrook and Carla share a kiss, signaling their forthcoming wedding. The expedition leaves a lasting inspiration for future generations.

1880 Edinburgh

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:46

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Journey to the Center of the Earth Summary

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Journey to the Center of the Earth Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Journey to the Center of the Earth

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