Based on a Paul Gallico novel and directed by British stalwart Ronald Neame, this was the film that launched (as it were) the 1970s disaster cycle. There's enormous post-pub enjoyment to be had from watching preacher Gene Hackman leading the survivors up a Christmas tree and Shelley Winters swimming bravely underwater.
Rob Cohen clearly took lots of notes before making Daylight. Obviously bags of money were thrown at this picture (most of it probably to coax in the stars) and the Oscar-winning effects have dated, but the all-star cast's battle with some risible dialogue is as compelling as the escape bid.
