Crack in the World

Crack in the World is a science fiction doomsday disaster film from 1965, directed by Andrew Marton. It features prominent actors of the silver screen such as Dana Andrews, Janette Scott, and Kieron Moore, bringing their craft to life in an exhilarating tale of scientific ambition gone awry.

Andrews leads the narrative as Dr. Stephen Sorenson, a seasoned but dangerously ambitious geologist who is devotedly pursuing a project to harness the Earth's geothermal energy. Struggling with a terminal illness but determined to leave behind a life-sustaining legacy, Sorenson is blindly committed to his vision and his overarching desire to provide unlimited power to humanity. His wife, Dr. Maggie Sorenson, wonderfully portrayed by Janette Scott, supports him knowing fully well the extent of his illness and yet is drawn into his obsession.

In the film, the couple works together on a high-tech drilling project, aiming to tap into the Earth’s mantle. This experiment, Sorenson believes, will not only make history in the world of science but also solve the global energy crisis. However, counteracting this belief is the disapproval of Dr. Ted Rampion (portrayed by Kieron Moore). Rampion, Stephen’s recovering alcoholic and laconic assistant, presents a contrasting opinion that the experiment could potentially lead to disastrous consequences for the planet.

Moore is exceptional as Dr. Rampion, bringing a meticulous mixture of tragic self-awareness and stoic conviction to his role. His character is the voice of caution, warning that the drilling could lead to severe geological instability. This leads to emotional and professional tensions between the characters. Rampion's differing views and approach set up an escalating drama of scientific politics and clashing views, which seamlessly adds to the tense narrative.

Besides the apparent seething tension within the project, a delicate subplot revolves around a love triangle featuring Dr. Sorenson, his wife Dr. Maggie, and Dr. Rampion. These three characters are far more than stereotypical placeholders, and their complicated relationships serve to enhance the human aspect of the story even as the disaster scenario unfolds.

The production design echoes the 1960s zeitgeist and scientific innovation, successfully creating an atmosphere of hgh-tech science blended with imminent disaster. The film's special effects, from massive fissures splitting the earth to cities tumbling into the abyss, are impressive for their time. The set pieces, although slightly dated by contemporary standards, are both ambitious and effective, firmly establishing the movie as an early triumph in the disaster genre.

The film’s mise-en-scène is exquisitely composed, presenting an intriguing contrast between the intimate human drama inside the facility and the explosive cataclysm taking place outside the lab, which propels the plot towards a high-stakes climax. Director Andrew Marton manages to balance the chilling suspense of the geological disaster with the interpersonal drama unfolding among the main characters.

Although the film presents a distinctly cautionary tale on the dangers of scientific overreach, it skillfully avoids the easy trap of anti-science rhetoric. Science in Crack in the World is, as it should be, seen as a tool whose impact, whether good or bad, depends upon the hands that wield it.

The score, by John Douglas, gives a fittingly dramatic backdrop, intensifying the feelings of looming catastrophe and loss impregnated throughout the film. The script is well-written, efficiently balancing theoretical exposition with character-building dialogue.

Despite its fictional premise, Crack in the World capitalizes on genuine scientific curiosity and real-world concerns. Throughout the narrative tension, visual spectacle, and engaging character dynamics, the film keeps audiences engaged with a blend of science, disaster, and drama. The palpable suspense builds as the researchers scramble against a ticking clock to save the world they unwittingly jeopardized.

Crack in the World is a riveting exploration of human ambition, frailty, and the monumental power of Earth itself. Although it may resonate as a classic 1960s disaster film, its interpretation of human reactions in the face of impending doom is timeless. The exceptional performances of Dana Andrews, Janette Scott, and Kieron Moore enliven the narrative, making this film a compelling watch, whether for ardent fans of the genre or newcomers discovering this classic.