Little known but powerful

An old, little-known Kirk Douglas-produced Jules Vernes tale.

Filmed on the coast of Spain, with a largely unknown continental cast - save for the star names of Kirk Douglas, Yul Bryner and Samantha Eggar - it is understandable how this one fell under the radar (especially with occasional bad dubbing).

However, it is a gripping tale of a lighthouse-keeper's survival against rampaging bloodthristy and insane pirates. The wild South Atlantic of the novel is effectively recreated and - though occasionally ploddy at times - it was generally a gripping 2 hours with some really effective cinematic characters.

The demise of Bryner's pirate leader was a bit predictable and disappointing in a dated Hollywood way but remember this film is over 30 years old.

Not Kirk Douglas's best film but highly recommended.