I read Jules Verne’s 1873 novel, Around the World in 80 Days, after I saw the 1956 American epic adventure–comedy film of the same name starring David Niven and Cantinflas. Now we have the PBS 8-episode version of Around the World in 80 Days. David Tennant (Good Omens, Doctor Who) stars as literature’s greatest explorer, Phileas Fogg. He is joined on his incredible journey by French actor Ibrahim Koma (OSS 117, Wùlu) as Jean Passepartout, Fogg’s mysterious valet, and German actress Leonie Benesch (The Crown, Babylon Berlin) as Abigail “Fix” Fortescue, a determined and driven British journalist.
As you might suspect, this PBS version varies from Verne’s classic novel just as the movie version did. The PBS version has real historical characters such as Jane Digby and Bass Reeves interacting with the fictional characters.
I’ve been a fan of David Tennant since his Doctor Who days. Ibrahim Koma impresses me with his versatility. Leonie Besnesch navigates the social strictures on women in 1872 and the two difficult men she has to travel with.
Phileas Fogg makes a 20,000 pound bet with another member of the Reform Club in London that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. The Press instantly starts tracking Fogg’s progress. Ms. Fix files stories for her newspaper that create sensations in the Public. If you’re looking for an entertaining series with plenty of action and adventure and humor, check out Around the World in 80 Days. GRADE: B+ (so far…we’re four episodes in!)
Leonie Benesch looks to be a distinct improvement on Robert Newton.
Dan, Leonie Benesch plays a feisty journalist who discovers the truth about her father.
Meh. Didn’t interest me. As a kid, I loved the 1956 movie but it doesn’t hold up these days, especially the litany of “guest star” appearances. I think I read a Classics Illustrated version. I was also a huge fan of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with Kirk Douglas, one of the first movies I can remember seeing, a personal Walt Disney production.
Jeff, I was a big fan of SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON as a kid. Loved the book, loved the movie!
I like Tennant too but haven’t gotten to it yet. So much competition for our time.
Patti, Diane and I are trying to get caught up on all the programs we DVRed over the past few months now that the Olympics is on. The rankings for this Winter Olympic Games are down: “NBC Sports says 16 million viewers tuned in to watch the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, an all-time low for Olympic ceremonies on linear television. That’s around 43% down compared to the 28.3 million viewers that watched the PyeongChang Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February 2018.”
I don’t recall being much impressed with this even when I was an impressionable 12 but, like Jeff, I went bananas over Disney’s 20,000 Leagues a couple of years earlier. I read a few Verne novels when I was a kid and my favorite, by far, was THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, which was made into a so-so movie. Like others here, I have absolutely zero interest in the Olympics.
Michael, I too was bowled over by THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, both the book and the movie. And, 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA! I went through a Jules Verne phase in the Sixties. And don’t forget VOYAGE TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH!
George and Michael, I can still sing “A Whale of a Tale” from 20,000 LEAGUES! It made me a big Kirk Douglas fan.
Jeff, I’m impressed! Kirk Douglas zapped me right between the eyes in THE VIKINGS (1958). I was nine years old when I saw it and Kirk Douglas floored me with his performance!
Here, it comes on right before All Creatures Great and Small, but we haven’t been watching it.
Rick, I think you and Barbara might enjoy AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS.
I too loved “A Whale of a Tale” but wouldn’t want to make any enemies by attempting to sing it. Also loved THE VIKINGS. I noticed recently that it’s available on Prime and have been tempted to see how it holds up.
Michael, now I’m tempted to check out THE VIKINGS!
Like you two – and Bill Crider, of course, I loved The Vikings. My brother and I used to act out scenes, like Ernest Borgnine jumping into the pit. We did watch it – more than a few years ago now – and maybe it’s time for another viewing.
Jeff, the Pit scene is seared into my memory!
I might check out an episode. The reviews are all over the place but it could be a decent time-killer. Tenant has a likeable presence and remains one of the few actors who seemed to put his own stamp on Dr. Who. It’s interesting to
I read all of the major Verne books in my twenties and have seen a good chunk of the film versions. The Disney “20,000 Leagues” is the gold standard but Harryhausen’s “Mysterious Island” has a lot of charm and the semi-silent version with Barrymore is worth a look if only for its production values. The Fox “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is pretty slapdash but watchable. The Niven “Around the World-” was on television annually throughout my childhood but I never warmed to it although I appreciate how fondly remembered it is by those who saw it in theaters. I’d definitely recommend the Melies and Karl Zamen adaptations which are genuinely eye-popping and a real hoot.
It’s interesting to see this playing under the Masterpiece banner. I wonder if PBS is nervous about staying on viewers’ radar as the streaming wars heat up more and more high concept popcorn.
Byron, you’re right on all counts. The mixed reviews for AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS are justified. I enjoyed some episodes much more than others. I’m blaming this on the Covid-19 factor and shooting much of this series in South Africa. Every cable/broadcast channel needs to be concerned about losing their audience to streaming services. The avalanche of content on my SONY Smart TV only grows each week!
I’m recording but haven’t watched this. Love David Tennant. He was my favorite doctor
Maggie, I grew up watching Tom Baker as DOCTOR WHO, but Tennant is right up there!
I’m recording this but haven’t watched it. David Tennant was my favorite doctor
I can’t write on your blog again.
Todd, I’m going to have to hire an exorcist to banish the demons in WORDPRESS that are harassing you!
I’ve heard only good things about ATW, including it’s taking all the liberties it should with Verne.
Todd, I’m not complaining about the liberties this version of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS is taking with Verne’s classic. I’m enjoying it!
Oh, I didn’t think you were. More responding to those who’ve replied to you that they didn’t like the Mike Todd film as well as 20K LEAGUES, which seemed about as off point as it gets.
I’ll let the fascists of the IOC and PRC keep each other company.
Todd, the IOC has no problem dealing with Russian and China when money is involved. As Rick Robinson would say: BAH!
I gather there’s already a sequel in the planning…and I gather that the only Verne Phogg sequel involved a certain sub…probably no Kirk Douglas shanties, however.
Todd, it would make sense if the Fogg PBS series “borrowed” from other Verne classics.
I think the current problem might occur only when I enter my blog address.
Todd, for some reason WORDPRESS is finicky about addresses. I just leave the blog address blank.