Around The World in 80 Days at 70: When Cinema Went Global

The Journey Begins

Based on Jules Verne’s 1873 novel of the same name, Around The World in 80 Days follows the eccentric British gentleman Phileas Fogg, who makes a bold wager that he can travel around the world in 80 days. He risks 20,000 pounds and immediately sets off from London with his newly hired valet, Passepartout. Together, they embark on a rapid journey across continents filled with delays, misunderstandings, and unpredictable challenges that threaten Fogg’s strict timetable.

Although I have not read the original novel, this retrospective examines the 1956 film on its own terms as an adaptation and cinematic spectacle. The story unfolds as a light, episodic adventure driven by travel, humor, and the tension of racing against time.

Performances Worthy Of Spectacle

David Niven delivers a wonderfully balanced performance as Phileas Fogg, portraying him not as a reckless adventurer, but as a calm, structured gentleman whose confidence and quiet resolve anchor the film’s plot. His understated charm allows the spectacle surrounding him to shine without losing the character’s sense of purpose.

Equally memorable is Cantinflas as Jean Passepartout, Fogg’s loyal and resourceful valet. Cantinflas brings energetic physical comedy and warmth to the role, serving as both comic relief and the emotional heart of the story. His lively performance contrasts effectively with Niven’s reserved portrayal, creating a dynamic partnership that keeps the audience engaged throughout the voyage.

Shirley MacLaine portrays Princess Aouda with grace and elegance, embodying both strength and compassion as she becomes an important ally to Fogg and Passepartout. Meanwhile, Robert Newton delivers a spirited performance as Inspector Fix, whose relentless pursuit of Fogg adds tension and humor to the movie’s events.

Milestones of The Grand Adventure

Because Around The World in 80 Days is structured as a globe-trotting roadshow epic, it is built on a spectacular display of exotic locations. One of the earliest highlights is the balloon journey across France, which enables Fogg and Passepartout to dramatically traverse the country from above. Earlier in their travels, Passepartout’s humorous misunderstanding with a Frenchwoman — who he mistakenly believes he recognizes — sets the tone for his role as the more impulsive and socially unaware counterpart to Fogg’s composure.

Another key sequence takes place in Spain, where Passepartout inadvertently becomes involved in a bullfight. Initially frightened, he improvises his way through the chaos, turning the moment into a comedic crowd-pleaser and one of the movie’s lighter scenes.

In India, the story shifts into more dramatic territory with the rescue of Princess Aouda, who is saved by Fogg and Passepartout from a traditional funeral ritual following her husband’s death. This sequence adds urgency and emotional weight to the narrative, establishing her as an important companion for the rest of the journey.

Finally, the American frontier sequence delivers the movie’s action-driven segment. Fogg and his group are caught in conflict during a train journey, resulting in Passepartout’s capture by a Native American tribe. He is later rescued, reinforcing the film’s recurring rhythm of danger, interruption, and onward momentum.

From Novel to Spectacle

Since Around The World in 80 Days is based on the acclaimed novel by Jules Verne, it preserves several of the book’s essential plot points while expanding others into large-scale cinematic territory. Faithful adaptations are rare, due to limitations of runtime, production budgets, and the need to appeal to contemporary audience expectations.

In the novel, Passepartout briefly encounters a Mormon community in the Wild West, resulting in a comedic misunderstanding of their customs. This scene is not included in the movie, reflecting a broader decision to simplify culturally specific material for universal appeal. By doing so, the film ensures broader international accessibility by avoiding culturally specific elements that may not translate well to international audiences.

Rather than adapt every single encounter from the novel, the 1956 adaptation emphasizes experience of travel and cinematic spectacle. By doing so, it reshapes Fogg’s story into a suitable format for mid-twentieth-century viewers. This approach also allows audiences to compare adaptations in terms of fidelity to the original story.

Ideas That Drive The Journey

Broadening one’s horizons is one of the central themes of the movie and its source material. By wagering that he can travel around the world in eighty days, Phileas Fogg risks both his wealth and social standing, embarking on a journey that tests not only his punctuality but also his willingness to face unfamiliar cultures and unpredictable obstacles. In history, English explorer Sir Francis Drake successfully circumnavigated the world between 1577 and 1580, though his voyage was to serve England’s interests and attack Spanish territory. In contrast, Fogg’s journey is driven by personal conviction and the desire to prove that determination can overcome distance and obstacles.

Another key theme is the power of friendship and loyalty. Passepartout’s unconditional devotion to Fogg becomes one of the emotional anchors of the story. Despite numerous dangers, misunderstandings, and temptations along the way, he remains faithful to his employer and companion. Their partnership highlights how trust and cooperation are essential to overcoming adversity. The American frontier segment reflects broader nineteenth-century ideologies of exploration, including Manifest Destiny, which shaped contemporary ideas of westward expansion and progress.

Time itself also plays a major thematic role throughout the movie. The journey emphasizes that time is both limited and valuable, with every missed opportunity or obstacle threatening Fogg’s success. By racing against the clock, Fogg experiences new cultures and perspectives in the process, ultimately demonstrating that pursuit of knowledge and understanding can be just as meaningful as the destination itself.

The End of The Journey

Although the movie is more grand and visually expansive than the original novel itself, it continues to resonate with audiences because it captures the spirit of adventure, curiosity, and human determination. Around the World in 80 Days transforms Jules Verne’s story into a sweeping cinematic experience, emphasizing spectacle while still preserving its core ideas of perseverance, friendship, and exploration. Even decades later, the film stands as a reminder of classic Hollywood ambition, where storytelling balanced large-scale spectacle with narrative depth driven by imagination.