Review: the Fascination with the Titanic Started with ‘A Night to Remember’

The sinking of the RMS Titanic captured people’s attention at the time and has remained relevant for over a century. I remember reading a disaster book when I was a kid and being creeped out by the notorious image of the ship nearly vertical as it was swallowed by the dark waters of the ocean.

The wreckage was discovered in 1985, renewing public interest. The 1997 James Cameron film “Titanic” goes down (pun intended) as one of my favorite movies, and one of Hollywood’s all-time greats.

I was captivated by the story of the Titan submersible, which dominated the news cycle for a week last summer. First missing then found to have imploded, I dutifully followed the search and rescue efforts with optimism and a ghoulish fascination.

Fascination

Released in December of 1958 (23 months after my parents were married) “A Night to Remember” became the first mainstream retelling of the sinking of the ship. This British historical docudrama is based on the eponymous 1955 book by Walter Lord (which I read and enjoyed). It is considered a highly accurate account of the sinking, though much more has been learned in the decades since its release. Notably, the ship is depicted as sinking in one piece; a myth debunked with the 1985 discovery of the vessel on the ocean floor.

While “Titanic” is character focused, “A Night to Remember” sets its sights on the disaster itself. None of the actors are recognizable to me, and most are interchangeable victims of the iceberg. Kenneth More plays Second Officer Charles Lightoller, Michael Goodliffe plays Thomas Andrews, Laurence Naismith plays Captain Edward Smith. No Rose or Jack. Without the benefit of the James Cameron film, viewers may not know any of these historical figures.

Similarities

It was surprising to see similarities between “A Night” and “Titanic” and it became obvious James Cameron was heavily influenced by this version of the story. I laughed as I watched third class passengers partying below decks, noblemen believing the ship to be unsinkable despite the obvious, and a bombastic Margaret Brown (Tucker McGuire) taking charge in a lifeboat.

The special effects are fine considering the time the movie was produced. The black and white makes scenes more haunting, specifically the imagery of the ship plunging under the water is fuel for nightmares. While not comparable to today’s cinematography, director Roy Ward Baker manages to convey the sheer pandemonium of the event in a style that is harrowing still.

At 123 minutes, the pacing is slow. I knew going in what was about to happen, so I spent most of the first act waiting for the iceberg. Whilst “Titanic” is nearly double the length, there’s nary a dull moment confined to its borders. It may be unfair to watch “A Night to Remember” after having the privilege of viewing other media.

For fans of the Titanic, “A Night to Remember” won’t founder. It’s a solid account of an event that will continue to mesmerize and fascinate us for its mystique.  

 

 

 

 

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