Around the World in 80 Days

Watching this movie is not only a fun trip around the world with scenes ranging from a bull fight in Spain to elephants in India, a Japanese acrobatic show to the wild West of the United States, but it is also a fun visit to movie-making of yesteryear. Without computer imaging, green screens, or fast-paced fight scenes, the movie relies on old-fashioned costumes, sets, and extras to bring the travels to life. It is also the film that brought the idea of "cameo" appearances to the movies-famous stars (including Ronald Colman who came out of retirement for his "role") appeared in small roles delighting audiences...a practice that is continuously used today.

Starring David Nevin in his favorite role as Phileas Fogg and the popular Mexican star Cantinflas in his first English-speaking role as Passepartout (a Frenchman in the book, but rewritten for the comedian), Around the World in 80 Days is an exploration of the world, adventure, and transportation in the late 1800's as filmed in the 1950's-full of stereotypes and scenery.

Although by today's standards, the movie can seem slow and silly, the role that this movie played in the future of film cannot be denied.