The Poseidon Adventure

The Poseidon Adventure

Year: 1972

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Ronald Neame

ActionAdventureDramaThriller

As chaos erupts aboard the ill-fated SS Poseidon, a desperate few embark on a treacherous journey against time, navigating the capsized ship's perilous interior to outrun the crushing pressure of the surrounding ocean and emerge victorious from the jaws of disaster.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Poseidon Adventure (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970s

The events take place around New Year's Eve, a festive time filled with celebrations and gatherings. However, this period takes a dark turn when a natural disaster strikes, showcasing the frailty of human life and the unpredictability of nature. The 1970s is often characterized by social changes and an evolving sense of adventure and exploration, which makes the ship's final voyage poignant.

Location

SS Poseidon, Atlantic Ocean, New York City, Athens

The SS Poseidon is a grand trans-Atlantic passenger steamship known for its luxurious facilities and intended retirement journey. It travels across the Atlantic Ocean, setting sail from New York City to Athens. The ship becomes the scene of a terrifying disaster when it capsizes due to a monstrous wave, trapping its passengers in a fight for survival.

🚢 Ship 🌊 Ocean 🌆 City

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Main Characters – The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Meet the key characters of The Poseidon Adventure (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Reverend Frank Scott (Gene Hackman)

Reverend Frank Scott serves as a guiding figure throughout the crisis, challenged by his wavering faith while trying to lead and inspire others. He embodies resilience and determination, often placing the safety of the group above his own well-being. His character represents the struggle between despair and hope.

🙏 Faith 💪 Leadership 🚀 Determination

Detective Lieutenant Mike Rogo (Ernest Borgnine)

Mike Rogo is a tough and determined detective, showcasing protective instincts, especially towards his wife, Linda. He faces intense emotional turmoil over the loss of loved ones and is often at odds with Frank Scott over survival strategies. His character arc captures the complexities of human emotion in a crisis.

👮‍♂️ Determination 💔 Loss 💼 Protector

Linda Rogo (Stella Stevens)

Linda Rogo is introduced as a tough but vulnerable character, previously an ex-prostitute, who struggles with seasickness and the perilous situation on the ship. Her love for her husband and hope for survival drive her actions, making her a sympathetic figure amidst the chaos.

❤️ Love 😷 Vulnerability 🌊 Survival

Belle Rosen (Shelley Winters)

Belle Rosen portrays a loving grandmother eager to meet her grandson, which drives her commitment to survival. Her tragic fate highlights the theme of loss, impacting the other survivors deeply. Belle's resilience and nurturing nature exemplify the emotional stakes of the journey.

👵 Family ❤️ Love 😢 Tragedy

Susan Shelby (Pamela Sue Martin)

Susan Shelby is depicted as a brave, young woman navigating her surroundings while trying to protect herself and her brother, Robin. She develops a crush on Reverend Scott, which adds an emotional depth to her character as she faces the unfolding disaster.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Crush 👧 Family 🚀 Bravery

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Major Themes – The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Explore the central themes of The Poseidon Adventure (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌊 Survival

Survival is the central theme of the movie as the characters face overwhelming odds against nature's fury. The film explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unthinkable challenges. Each character's journey highlights personal sacrifices, bravery, and the will to live amid despair.

💔 Loss

Throughout the story, loss takes a significant toll on the surviving characters, affecting their emotional state and decisions. The film portrays the heartbreaking impact of tragedy as they grapple with the deaths of their loved ones. This theme evokes deep empathy from the audience as they witness the struggles of the survivors.

⛪ Faith

The theme of faith is intricately woven into the narrative, particularly through the character of Reverend Frank Scott, who questions his beliefs under extreme pressure. The crisis pushes him to confront his faith, ultimately seeking purpose and leading others toward hope in the face of despair.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

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