The Tunnel (1935 film)
| The Tunnel | |
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poster for the American release
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| Directed by | Maurice Elvey |
| Produced by | Michael Balcon |
| Written by |
Bernhard Kellermann (novel) Curt Siodmak L. du Garde Peach Clemence Dane (additional dialogue) |
| Starring |
Richard Dix Leslie Banks Madge Evans Helen Vinson C. Aubrey Smith Basil Sydney |
| Music by | Hubert Bath (uncredited) |
| Cinematography | Günther Krampf |
| Edited by | Charles Frend |
| Distributed by | Gaumont British |
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Release date
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Running time
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94 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The Tunnel, also known as Transatlantic Tunnel in the United States, is a 1935 British science fiction film based on the 1913 novel Der Tunnel by Bernhard Kellermann, about the building of a transatlantic tunnel between New York and London. It was directed by Maurice Elvey and stars Richard Dix, Leslie Banks, Madge Evans, Helen Vinson, C. Aubrey Smith and Basil Sydney. The script was written by Curt Siodmak, L. du Garde Peach and Clemence Dane. The film, produced at a time when the threat of war loomed in Europe, emphasized international cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom.
A group of wealthy industrialists gather in the home of Mr. Lloyd, a millionaire who introduces them to Richard "Mack" McAllan, the engineer who successfully spearheaded the construction of the Channel Tunnel (the story takes place in the unspecified near future, though it is noted in the film that the Channel Tunnel is built "in 1940"). McAllan informs the group that the "Allanite steel" he developed, along with a "radium drill" developed by his friend Frederick "Robbie" Robbins, makes it possible to construct an undersea tunnel linking England with the United States. Though the group is initially sceptical, the backing of Lloyd and his associate Mostyn convinces the group to buy shares in the project.
Three years into construction of the tunnel, McAllan is a worldwide celebrity, but his work keeps him from his devoted wife Ruth and their young son Geoffrey. Called away to New York, he is informed that the people are losing faith in the project. Lloyd needs to have him use his fame to shore up support. Lloyd's attractive daughter Varlia, who is secretly in love with McAllan, keeps him company to further intensify the attention of the press.
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