Today in history: “Around the World in 80 Days” premiers

CAIRO – 17 October 2017: October 17 marks the first premier of the film ”Around the World in 80 Days.”

The adventure comedy movie, directed by Michael Anderson and John Farrow, was first released on October 17, 1956 at New York’s Rivoli Theatre.

It was adapted from the story "Around the World in Eighty Days" written by Jules Verne in 1872.

The film revolves around an English gentleman Phileas Fogg claiming in 1872 that he could circumnavigate the world in eighty days. He makes a £20,000 wager with four skeptical fellow members of the Reform Club that he would return after 80 days before 8:45 a.m.. During his journey, he faces many obstacles.

Its heroes are David Niven (Phileas Fogg), Cantinflas (Passepartout) and Shirley MacLaine (Princess Aouda).

It won the NBR Award in 1956, Oscar in 1957 for best screenplay, best cinematography, best film editing and best music, a Golden Globe in 1957, the NYFCC Award, Special Award and WGA Award (Screen). It was also nominated for DGA Award, Oscar for best director, best art direction as well as best costume design and another Golden Globe.