Island at the Top of the World

Synopsis of Movie

The influence of Jules Verne was evident in Disney’s The Island at the Top of the World, a fantastic journey into a land that time forgot. In reality, the source was Ian Cameron, whose book The Lost Ones was adapted by John Whedon for the film.

The story concerns a group of British explorers taking a Zeppelin expedition to the hidden reaches of the Arctic north around the turn of the century. Nordic specialist Professor John Ivarson leads the trek in search of the legendary whale graveyard, following a whalebone map. Sir Anthony Ross, a wealthy Brit, joins the party as a means of finding his missing son.

In the midst of this icy wasteland stands a giant, active volcano, providing warmth to a long-hidden valley. The danger level gets cranked up tenfold when the valley turns out to be inhabited by Viking warriors, leading to capture, chase and a memorable explosion.

This was one of the final films from prolific Disney director Robert Stevenson (Mary Poppins, Darby O’Gill and the Little People, Johnny Tremain and many, many more). The story was thrilling, the effects dazzling, and the Oscar-nominated art direction created a lush, believable landscape of ice caves, volcanoes and airships.

Filled with drama, danger and exotic destinations, The Island at the Top of the World was a spectacular adventure in the Disney tradition of 20,00 Leagues Under the Sea, Swiss Family Robinson and In Search of the Castaways.

Movie Release History

1974 - Island at the Top of the World

Movie Sub Categories

live-action
sci-fi/fantasy
action/adventure
disney

Movie Studio

Disney

Cast

Prof. John Ivarsson David Hartman
Sir Anthony Ross Donald Sinden
Captain Brieux Jacques Marin
Oomiak Mako
Donald Ross David Gwillim
Freyja Agneta Eckemyr
Godin Gunnar Ohlund
Erik Lasse Kolstad
Torvald Erik Silju
The Lawspeaker Rolf Soder
Sven Torsten Wahlund
Gunnar Sverre Anker Ousdal
Sigurd Niels Hinrichsen
Town Guard Denny Miller
The Factor Brendan Dillon

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