Crack in the World Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy dying scientist decides to punch a hole in the Earth with a nuke, ignores warnings from his younger romantic rival, accidentally births a new moon, and then everyone just kinda chills.

🍿 Crack in the World: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Project Inner Space: A Bold Plan for Unlimited Energy

Dr. Stephen Sorenson, a brilliant but aging scientist facing a terminal illness, spearheads Project Inner Space. The ambitious goal is to tap into the Earth’s immense geothermal energy by drilling deep into the crust. The project plans to use a thermonuclear device to penetrate a solid barrier preventing access to the Earth’s magma layer. Sorenson believes this will create a controlled release of energy, solving global power needs.

Warnings Ignored: The Experiment and Its Deadly Consequences

Dr. Ted Rampion, the project’s chief geologist and Sorenson’s younger rival (both scientifically and romantically), vehemently opposes the plan. He warns that years of underground nuclear testing have weakened the crust, and the detonation could cause catastrophic cracking along existing fault lines. Despite Rampion’s dire predictions and his resignation, Sorenson pushes forward with the experiment, partly driven by his desire to see his life’s work realized before he dies. The missile is launched and detonated deep within the Earth. Initially, the explosion seems successful, releasing magma as intended.

The Crack Forms and Spreads

Soon after the detonation, widespread earthquakes begin occurring precisely along the fault lines Rampion predicted. A research dive confirms Rampion’s worst fears: a massive chasm is forming and rapidly spreading across the ocean floor. Sorenson is forced to acknowledge the horrific reality – his experiment has indeed cracked the Earth’s crust, potentially leading to a global catastrophe.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Stephen Sorenson (Dana Andrews): A brilliant but terminally ill scientist who recklessly initiates a project to tap geothermal energy, inadvertently causing a world-threatening disaster.
• Dr. Ted Rampion (Kieron Moore): The project’s geologist who correctly predicts the catastrophic outcome of Sorenson’s experiment and leads the efforts to mitigate the resulting global crack.
• Dr. Maggie Sorenson (Janette Scott): Stephen’s scientist wife and Ted’s former lover, who is caught in a dramatic personal conflict while assisting with the scientific efforts to save the world.
• Sir Charles Eggerston (Alexander Knox): A leading UNESCO official who oversees the controversial project and must navigate the political and practical fallout of the disaster.
• Dr. Bill Evans (Alfred Brown): Stephen Sorenson’s doctor who knows about his terminal illness, a secret that underlies Sorenson’s urgency and disregard for warnings.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Ted Rampion: “You failed to tell them, if you miscalculate, it could split the world in two.” – Rampion’s stark warning to Sorensen and the UNESCO council about the catastrophic potential outcome of their project.
• Sir Charles Eggerston: “Gentlemen, what can we do? … Pray.” – Sir Charles’ grim response when the scientists inform the council that the crack is unstoppable and global disaster is imminent.
• Dr. Ted Rampion: “Medium rare.” – Rampion’s dry, humorous reply when asked how he feels after being rescued unconscious from a volcanic vent.
• Dr. Stephen Sorenson: “…the detonation will release great heat and merely melt through to the magma.” – Sorensen’s confident, albeit ultimately incorrect, prediction to the UNESCO council about the expected result of the nuclear blast.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $873,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,322,000
• Worldwide Gross: $2,322,000

💥 Crack in the World Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched ‘Crack in the World’ after hearing about its legendary bad science and wild ending. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint on the absurdity front! From the moment they start talking about drilling into the Earth’s core with a missile, I was hooked by the sheer confidence of it all. The acting is pretty decent, even if the whole love triangle felt a bit like a soap opera interrupting the end of the world. The special effects, while obviously dated, have a certain charm to them. The train wreck scene was genuinely impactful, and the sequence inside the volcano felt intense. And that ending? Absolutely wild and completely unforgettable. It’s the kind of movie you watch with friends just to marvel at how they pulled it off. Forget the science, just enjoy the ride. It’s a fantastic piece of old-school disaster sci-fi.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic 1960s science fiction films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy disaster movies”
  • “Those interested in films about science and its potential dangers”
  • “Admirers of practical and miniature special effects”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depicts widespread natural disasters (earthquakes, collapsing structures, volcanic activity)”
  • “Scenes of peril and death”
  • “Some reviewers note a melodramatic love triangle subplot”

Professional Reviews

• Film Critic: “”Crack in the World” is a tense, if scientifically dubious, sci-fi disaster flick that predates the genre boom of the ’70s. Despite some slow moments and a somewhat clunky love triangle, the film delivers impressive special effects for its time, particularly the escalating geological chaos and the audacious climax. Dana Andrews gives a solid performance, anchoring the increasingly dramatic events. It’s a worthwhile watch for fans of classic B-movies and impending global doom scenarios.
• Film Historian: “While plate tectonics has rendered the science obsolete, this 1965 feature remains an entertaining look at humanity tinkering with forces it doesn’t understand. The performances, particularly from Dana Andrews and Kieron Moore, are commendable, elevating the material beyond typical genre fare. Special effects, blending miniatures and stock footage, hold up surprisingly well. The narrative builds suspense effectively, culminating in a truly memorable, if absurd, final sequence. A notable precursor to the disaster film wave.
• Genre Reviewer: “This movie is pure, unadulterated 60s sci-fi camp, and I mean that affectionately. The premise is bonkers – fire a nuke into the Earth to get energy? What could go wrong?! Plenty, apparently. The personal melodrama feels a bit tacked on, but the escalating disasters are genuinely thrilling for the era. You have to suspend disbelief for the science and the ending, but if you can, it’s a fun, fast-paced ride with some surprisingly effective visuals. A cult classic for a reason.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the escalating disaster scenes and the audacious ending.: Many appreciated the special effects for their time, found the pace engaging, and enjoyed it as a nostalgic piece of classic sci-fi despite the flawed science.

The train crash sequence and the final ‘new moon’ event were frequently mentioned as memorable.: The film is often praised as a fun, suspenseful B-movie and a significant, albeit flawed, precursor to the disaster genre.

Overall Consensus: A classic, entertaining 1960s sci-fi disaster film praised for its suspense and special effects (for the era), despite a melodramatic subplot and wildly inaccurate science, particularly its notorious ending.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Special effects supervisor Eugène Lourié, who also directed the classic creature feature ‘The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms’, had two models of the gantry built for the film, using balsa wood for one intended for destruction during the explosion scene to ensure safety.”
• “Although set largely in Tanganyika (a former British colony driving on the left), many vehicles shown in the film have their steering wheels on the left, which was a goofs noted by observers.”
• “Actors Janette Scott (Dr. Maggie Sorenson) and Kieron Moore (Dr. Ted Rampion) were married in real life at the time the film was made.”
• “The film’s central scientific premise of ‘cracking’ the Earth’s crust predates the mainstream acceptance of the theory of plate tectonics, which explained the Earth’s crust was already divided into many moving plates.”

🖥️ How to Watch Crack in the World?

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Crack in the World, you might like these similar films:

• The Core (2003): A modern science fiction disaster film with a similar premise involving a team journeying to the Earth’s core to solve a global geological crisis, sharing themes of scientific intervention and catastrophic outcomes.
• When Worlds Collide (1951): A classic sci-fi disaster film from an earlier era where scientists make a dire prediction about an approaching celestial body threatening Earth, requiring humanity to take drastic action for survival.
• Day of the Triffids (1963): Another notable British-made science fiction disaster film from the same era, featuring Janette Scott and Kieron Moore, focusing on widespread catastrophe and human struggle for survival.
• The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953): Directed by Eugène Lourié, who supervised SFX for ‘Crack in the World’, this classic monster movie ties into the theme of science (atomic testing) unleashing unforeseen dangers and destruction.
• Earthquake (1974): A quintessential large-scale disaster film from the 1970s that depicts massive urban destruction caused by geological forces, reflecting the global catastrophe shown in ‘Crack in the World’.
• Deep Impact (1998): A more recent global disaster film focusing on scientists discovering and attempting to mitigate an extinction-level event, sharing thematic elements of scientific warning, government response, and the fate of humanity.

🛒 Crack in the World Related Products

• Classic Sci-Fi Movie Collection (DVD): A compilation of iconic science fiction films from the 1950s and 60s, showcasing the genre’s evolution and imaginative storytelling.
• Vintage Sci-Fi Movie Poster Prints: High-quality reproductions of original movie posters from classic sci-fi films, perfect for decorating your home theater or office.
• Introduction to Plate Tectonics (Book): An accessible educational book explaining the modern scientific understanding of the Earth’s crust and geological activity.
• Disaster Movie Marathon Box Set (Blu-ray): A curated selection of essential disaster films, from the pioneers of the genre to modern blockbusters.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Theme” – performed by Johnny Douglas
• “Project Inner Space (Score)” – performed by Johnny Douglas
• “The Crack Spreads (Score)” – performed by Johnny Douglas

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Dark Corners – Crack in the World: Review

Curious what people thought about ‘Crack in the World’? This review dives right into the movie, giving you a straightforward take on its story and effects. It’s a solid way to see if this classic flick is worth your time!

5 Sci Fi Movie Gems of the 1960s

Want to see where ‘Crack in the World’ fits into the bigger picture of 60s sci-fi? This video lists it as one of the era’s gems, giving you a little taste of its place among other cool science fiction films from that time. Pretty neat to see it highlighted!

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