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Filming '80 Days' in 75 Global Days!
23 Apr
Summary
- Filmed in 13 countries, covering over 4 million air miles.
- Featured over 50 celebrity cameos, including a retired star.
- Won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, after grossing $42 million.
The making of the 1956 film 'Around the World in 80 Days' involved a remarkable global journey, with its cast and crew completing the filming in a mere 75 days. This ambitious production spanned 13 countries and covered over 4 million air miles.
The lavish adventure, based on Jules Verne's novel, starred David Niven as Phileas Fogg and featured Mexican comic legend Cantinflas as his valet. It was notable for popularizing celebrity cameos, with over 50 famous personalities, including Ronald Colman and Frank Sinatra, making appearances.
Producer Mike Todd's ambitious undertaking faced financial challenges but ultimately succeeded, securing assistance from unexpected sources like the king of Thailand. Despite the grand scale, some stars like Gregory Peck were even replaced during production.
'Around the World in 80 Days' achieved immense success, grossing $42 million against a $6 million budget. It garnered five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains a celebrated cinematic spectacle. Sadly, Mike Todd passed away in a plane crash in 1958.
Shirley MacLaine, who played Princess Aouda, is the last billed cast member still alive today at 91 years old.
