Crack in the World

Mid-1960s sci-fi doomsday disaster movie, produced by Paramount Pictures, “Crack in the World” takes on the theme of renewable energy, focusing on the possibility that mankind could fully harness the geothermal gradient thanks to the futuristic proposals of the mysterious “Inner Space Project”.

However, this only serves as a pretext to lay out some considerations regarding the destructive potential inherent in nuclear-era technology (direct reference is made to evidence of cracks in the earth’s crust which are the “result of many years of underground atomic testing“) and to highlight the danger of environmental havoc that can result from its irresponsible use.

Project leader Dr. Stephen Sorenson (Dana Andrews) is the essential character in this regard: although inspired by noble intentions (“if this pilot plan is successful, we can […] make a life of plenty for all mankind for the proceedable future“), he ends up deliberately underestimating the catastrophic risks of the operation due to purely personal exigencies (“I was in a hurry. Couldn’t bear the thought of someone else finishing my work“).

Consequently, instead of a seemingly enlightened scientist, what we really discover is the classic mad doctor clouded by obsessive self-promotion and delusions of omnipotence (“You’ll save the world or destroy it? You’re mad, Stephen; You want to play God!“). Ample time is devoted to romantic sub-plots, although the vexing love triangle involving Sorenson, his wife, and lead geologist Ted Rampion is rather bland and forgettable, basically formulaic for major productions of the era (its budget was somewhere in the neighborhood of $900,000, a not inconsiderable sum at the time).

Far more interesting is the film’s visual aspect, thanks to a very carefully executed overall art direction (the legendary Eugène Lourié served as art director), along with some noteworthy special effects. After a lifeless, somewhat long-winded opening, the film gradually picks up steam, finally reaching an explosive conclusion – director Andrew Marton once again proves his mettle in establishing an adventurous action pace, even throwing in a high-spirited underwater scene, sort of a prelude to his upcoming “Around the World Under the Sea” (1966).

Set in Africa, but filmed in Spain.