Around the World in 80 Days Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich dude bets he can take the world’s longest vacation and accidentally discovers time zones.

🍿 Around the World in 80 Days: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Wager

In Victorian London, the precise and unflappable Phileas Fogg wagers £20,000 with his fellow members of the Reform Club that he can circumnavigate the world in eighty days. This audacious bet sets in motion a thrilling race against time, pushing Fogg and his newly hired valet, Passepartout, to their limits.

Across Europe and Asia

Fogg and Passepartout embark on their journey, traveling across Europe by train and balloon. They encounter various obstacles and adventures, including a detour in Spain where Passepartout showcases his bullfighting skills. Their journey continues eastward, taking them through India, where they rescue the young Princess Aouda from a forced sati.

Trouble on the Trail

Unbeknownst to Fogg, he is being followed by Detective Fix, who believes Fogg robbed the Bank of England. Fix constantly attempts to delay Fogg’s progress, hoping to secure an arrest warrant. The journey takes them through Hong Kong, Japan, and across the American West, where they face further delays and challenges.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Phileas Fogg (David Niven): A meticulous and wealthy Englishman who bets he can travel around the world in eighty days.
• Passepartout (Cantinflas): Phileas Fogg’s resourceful and comedic valet who accompanies him on the global journey.
• Andrew Stuart (Finlay Currie): A member of the Reform Club who participates in the wager against Phileas Fogg.
• Ralph (Robert Morley): The Governor of the Bank of England and a member of the Reform Club who makes the initial claim of the theft and bets against Fogg.
• Fix (Robert Newton): A determined detective who wrongly suspects Phileas Fogg of robbing the Bank of England and relentlessly pursues him.
• Aouda (Shirley MacLaine): An Indian princess rescued by Fogg and Passepartout, who then joins them on their journey and eventually falls in love with Fogg.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Passepartout: “I assume he had a mother, but I am not certain.” – Passepartout’s reply when Princess Aouda asks if there have been any women in Phileas Fogg’s life, highlighting Fogg’s detached nature.
• Phileas Fogg: “I never travel without my carpet bag, my toothbrush, and a requisite amount of Bank of England notes.” – Captures Fogg’s unflappable, precise, and quintessentially British character as he prepares for his journey.
• Reform Club Member: “A man can’t cross India in three days, especially when he’s stopped to rescue people.” – Members of Reform Club debating whether he can really do it in that amount of time, especially considering he’s taking time out for humanitarian missions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $42,000,000
• Worldwide Gross: $42,009,549

💥 Around the World in 80 Days Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie with my family when I was a kid, and it felt like an event. The sheer scale of the adventure, the exotic locations, and the surprise cameos made it so exciting. While it might feel a bit long by today’s standards, there’s still something magical about seeing Phileas Fogg race against time, and it’s fun spotting all the famous faces. The flamenco scene is still one of my favourites because it is vibrant and fun. I always enjoy watching this classic, it will always hold a special place in my heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic adventure films”
  • “Viewers interested in historical travelogues”
  • “Those who enjoy spotting celebrity cameos”
  • “Families looking for a light-hearted, visually appealing film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild comical violence”
  • “Outdated cultural depictions (some may be considered insensitive by modern standards)”
  • “Brief depiction of a forced sati (though quickly resolved by the protagonists)”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A dazzling spectacle! The film’s grandeur, colorful cinematography, and impressive scope make for an unforgettable cinematic experience. The cameos are a delight, adding an extra layer of fun to this classic adventure.
• The New York Times: “While visually impressive, the movie suffers from pacing issues. The length and certain dated elements may not appeal to modern audiences. David Niven delivers a solid performance, but the film’s overall impact is somewhat diluted by its excessive length.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A grand and entertaining adaptation with a memorable cast and stunning visuals that capture the spirit of adventure, but its length and reliance on spectacle over substance leave much to be desired. It’s a classic that is best viewed with a sense of nostalgic fondness and a tolerance for its shortcomings.

Audience Reactions

The cameo appearances from famous actors were a fun surprise and added to the overall enjoyment.: Spectacular visuals and a sense of grand adventure captivated viewers, making it a timeless classic for families.

David Niven’s portrayal of Phileas Fogg and his chemistry with Cantinflas made the film charming and memorable.: The film’s lighthearted humor and exciting adventures kept viewers entertained from start to finish.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and entertaining adventure that has aged well, though some may find its length and reliance on spectacle a bit much for modern tastes.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1957
2. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 1957
3. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1957
4. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 1957
5. Academy Award (Best Music Score)- 1957

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film boasted over 40 celebrity cameos, a concept that helped popularize the idea of cameo appearances in movies.”
• “74,685 costumes were designed, made, or rented for the production, setting a Hollywood record at the time.”
• “The bullfighting scene in Spain was included because Cantinflas had bullfighting experience and insisted on performing it himself.”
• “Michael Todd initially estimated the budget at $3 million, but it nearly doubled due to his insistence on authenticity and location shooting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Around the World in 80 Days?

Around the World in 80 Days (1956) is currently available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules on channels like Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Unfortunately, it’s not widely available on subscription-based streaming services as of this update.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Around the World in 80 Days, you might like these similar films:

• It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963): A comedy with an ensemble cast on a wild race across the country for a fortune. Both movies feature an all-star cast.
• The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988): This Terry Gilliam film is also an adventure story with surreal elements and a journey to exotic locations. It has imaginative storytelling and visual spectacle.
• Around the World in 80 Days (2004): A remake of the classic story. This version has Jackie Chan. Both movies share the same story, with updated special effects and different interpretations of the characters.
• The Darjeeling Limited (2007): It has the theme of travel and self-discovery, as three brothers journey across India. Its quirky humor and emphasis on personal growth align with certain aspects of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’.

🛒 Around the World in 80 Days Related Products

• Around the World in 80 Days [Blu-ray]: Experience the classic adventure in stunning high definition. Perfect for collectors and fans who want to relive the journey with enhanced visuals. Get the best version of the film to enjoy at home!
• Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne (Illustrated): Rediscover the original Jules Verne novel with beautiful illustrations, bringing the classic story to life. A must-have for fans of the movie and literature enthusiasts.
• LEGO Ideas Globe 21332, Build-Your-Own Earth World Map Model: Build and customize your own spinning globe that has glow in the dark tiles. Mark the route of Phileas Fogg’s journey around the world. This is a very popular collectors item and perfect for displaying your love for travel and adventure.
• Hasbro Gaming The Game of Life: Around The World Edition Board Game: Travel the world while collecting souvenirs. Featuring sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China, a player draws destination cards, then spins to see how many Spaces to move in that direction. A must have for parties and famliy fun!

🎧 Soundtrack

Around the World in 80 Days features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Around the World” – performed by Victor Young
• “Passepartout” – performed by Victor Young
• “Land of the Pagodas” – performed by Victor Young

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Fantastic Flamenco Dancer, José Greco

Ever wonder about the dancers featured in ‘Around the World in 80 Days’? Check out this short clip showcasing the amazing José Greco. I love how his performance adds such a vibrant cultural element to the film!

The Journalists Who Outraced “Around the World in Eighty Days” – Drunk History

Did you know ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ inspired real people to race around the globe? This Drunk History episode tells the hilarious (and slightly tipsy) story of Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland. It’s wild to think a book could inspire such adventures!

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