* Jernigan saves a kitten.
* Carlos the bartender being an all-around nice guy to everyone. From actively assisting in the rescue to [[FriendToAllChildren making ice cream sundaes for the children]]. Which makes his death when the water tanks are blown up much sadder.
* The respect that develops between O'Halloran and Roberts during the crisis. Notably: O'Halloran trusted Roberts to let him set explosives on his own and to help get him through a fire-ridden area to the Promenade Room. Particularly their last exchange, where Roberts--having experienced the entire disaster first-hand--wants to design safer buildings while O'Halloran is willing to give his own input. Their exchange ends with a respectful "so long, Architect".
* Behind the scenes: There were apparently some tension between some of the cast members, especially between the two main leads. The Paparazzi expected there would be a blowup between Steve [=McQueen=] and Paul Newman. Not only does it not happen, but the blooper reel shows both actors got along well on-set and had fun.