Representing the archetypical 1970s disaster film, THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE starts poorly, but makes up for it with just enough thrills to make it a good entertainment.
With a large all-star cast, the beginning peeks into the lives of the characters. Rev. Frank Scott (Gene Hackman, HOOSIERS) is a rebellious preacher on his way to Africa. He believes that God doesn’t want us to play the victim, but be the hero in our lives. Det. Lt. Mike Rogo (Ernest Borgnine, MARTY) is a loud-mouthed cop, who is married the younger and beautiful former prostitute Linda (Stella Stevens, THE BALLAD OF CABLE HOGUE). James Martin (Red Buttons, THE LONGEST DAY) is a lonely health nut, who befriends the scared singer Nonnie Parry (Carol Lynley, THE CAT AND THE CANARY). Acres (Roddy McDowall, PLANET OF THE APES) is a waiter, who works on the ship and serves as the survivor guide through the levels of the ship. Belle Rosen (Shelley Winters, LOLITA) is an over-weight woman, who panics easily and is married to the caring Manny (Jack Albertson, WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY). Susan Shelby (Pamela Sue Martin, TV’s DYNASTY) is a pretty teen, who is taking care of her intelligent, but pushy, little brother Robin (Eric Shea, 1968’s YOURS, MINE AND OURS). Capt. Harrison (Leslie Nielsen, NAKED GUN) is the stoic head of the ship, who tries desperately to save the vessel when the giant wave comes racing toward them.
