Around the World of Mike Todd (1968)

Around the World of Mike Todd Poster

"Around the World with Mike Todd" serves as a summarization of the Todd's career, and his role in producing 'Around the World in 80 Days'. Numerous behind-the-scenes footage from the film.

Film Overview
"Around the globe of Mike Todd" is an engaging documentary film launched in 1968, capturing the extraordinary life and genius of Mike Todd, the iconic American movie and theater producer. It is directed by Saul Swimmer and thoroughly weaves Todd's ambitious adventures, his innovative cinematic ventures, and his personal life.

Mike Todd's Journey and Achievements
The film begins by presenting Mike Todd (1909-1958) as a distinguished movie producer and showman who had a significant influence on the show business. Todd, understood for his extraordinary skills and visionary ideas, was a significant impact in shaping Hollywood's Golden Age. He was remembered for raising the standards of production worth by inventively utilizing widescreen and 70 mm movie formats, understood especially for his production of "Around the World in 80 Days", which made him an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Ingenious Contributions
"Around the World of Mike Todd" surveys his professional life, highlighting his considerable contributions towards changing film techniques and spectacle-driven film production. He pioneered Todd-AO, a widescreen, 70mm film format, which used an immersive cinematic experience through amazing visual material and sound effects that had never been experienced before. This invention transformed cinematic viewing and set high standards for future productions.

Personal Life and Relationships
The documentary does not avoid supplying insights into Todd's personal life. It tells his turbulent relationship with Hollywood diva Elizabeth Taylor, which controlled media headlines throughout their courtship and marital relationship. The film evaluates the duo's passionate dynamics and ends poignantly with Todd's tragic death in an aircraft crash in 1958, an event that drastically impacted Taylor's life and career.

Narrative Style and Reception
The documentary narrates Todd's interesting narrative making use of archival footage, photo stills, scenes from his productions, interviews, and commentary narration by Orson Welles. The film's interesting storytelling benefits its crucial honor for catching the essence of a man who had a grand vision, strong concepts and carried them out with tenacity. Regardless of handling a complex and charming topic, the movie manages to portray a balanced perspective, encapsulating both Todd's expert brilliance and his tumultuous individual life.

In conclusion, "Around the World of Mike Todd" provides a compelling photo of an extraordinary titan of the entertainment industry. He left an enduring tradition in the world of movie and theater, and this documentary stands as a testament to his remarkable journey.

Top Cast

  • Orson Welles (small)
    Orson Welles
    Self - Narrator
  • Martin Balsam (small)
    Martin Balsam
    Michael Todd (voice)
  • Elizabeth Taylor (small)
    Elizabeth Taylor
    Self
  • David Todd
    Self - Michael Todd's brother (as Dave)
  • Jack E. Leonard (small)
    Jack E. Leonard
    Self (as Fats Labitski)
  • Bill Doll
    Self
  • Gypsy Rose Lee (small)
    Gypsy Rose Lee
    Self
  • Ethel Merman (small)
    Ethel Merman
    Self
  • Jack Moss
    Self
  • Toots Shor
    Self
  • Max Gendel
    Self