The Poseidon Adventure

The Poseidon, an ocean liner larger than the Queens Elizabeth and Mary combined, is charting its course on New Year's Eve. Just after midnight, captain Leslie Nielsen spots the mother of all tidal waves. It is the last thing that Nielsen and practically everyone else on board sees before drowning: the Poseidon is turned upside down, with only a handful of survivors. The ten lucky ones—including Ernest Borgnine, Roddy McDowall, Stella Stevens, Shelly Winters and Jack Albertson—led by no-nonsense minister Gene Hackman, desperately attempt to climb from the top of the ship (now submerged) to the bottom (now "the top"). The film's theme song, the "Morning After," sung by Maureen McGovern, earned an Oscar. In addition, The Poseidon Adventure received the "Special Achievement Award for Special Effects"; L.A. Abbott and A.D. Flowers were the recipients. A sequel Beyond the Poseidon Adventure came out in 1979. — Hal Erickson