Trivia / A Night to Remember

• Acclaimed Flop: During its original release in 1958, the film was critically acclaimed for its historical accuracy and special effects but ended up being a box office disappointment.
• Dated History: Titanic is shown going down in one piece, most likely due to the original inquiries declaring that the ship "sank intact". Since the discovery of the wreck in 1985, it's generally accepted that the ship broke in two before it sank.
• Enforced Method Acting: As there were no water tanks in studios big enough to accommodate the sets, the lifeboat scenes were shot in a large open-air reservoir. In November; none of the actors wanted to have to jump in. Lead actor Kenneth More wrote:
  "I would have to set an example. I leaped. Never have I experienced such cold in all my life. It was like jumping into a deep freeze just like the people did on the actual Titanic. The shock of the cold water forced the breath out of my lungs. My heart seemed to stop beating. I felt crushed, unable to think. I had rigor mortis... without the mortis. And then I surfaced, spat out the dirty water, and gasping for breath, found my voice. 'Stop!' I shouted. 'Don't listen to me! It's bloody awful! Stay where you are!' But it was too late as the extras followed suit."
• Follow the Leader: James Cameron decided to make his Titanic film after seeing this one and lifted several scenes directly from it.
• Throw It In!: The ominous creaking noises the ship makes as it founders were actually made by the set as it was tilted into position.
• Uncredited Role:
  • Norman Rossington as Steward James Kieran,
  • Marianne Stone as a stewardess.

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