In Search Of The Castaways (1962)

Set in 19th century England, a French geography professor (Maurice Chevalier at his most annoying) and two children (Hayley Mills, Keith Hamshere) approach a shipping magnate (Wilfrid Hyde White) about funding an expedition to search for their missing father (Jack Gwillim) who went down with one of the magnate's ships. Based on the novel CAPTAIN GRANT'S CHILDREN by Jules Verne and directed by Robert Stevenson (MARY POPPINS). The first time Disney adapted a Verne novel was 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA which turned out to be a pretty impressive film. Unlike that film, this Verne adaptation is Disneyfied to appeal to a more adolescent crowd. The humor is often too "cutesy" and four songs by The Sherman Brothers are sung for no reason (this isn't a musical). The special effects (which include an earthquake and a flood) are rather primitive. It's harmless enough but there's no sense of wonder or awe that you get in other Verne film adaptations like MYSTERIOUS ISLAND or JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH. The film was a big hit and I have a nostalgic affection for it from my childhood but it's a weak film. With George Sanders, Michael Anderson Jr. and Ronald Fraser.