In Search of Noah's Ark
In Search of Noah's Ark is a 1976 American documentary film based on David W. Balsiger and Charles E. Sellier Jr.'s book of the same name. Released by Sunn Classic Pictures, it explores the alleged final resting place of Noah's Ark.
| In Search of Noah's Ark | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | James L. Conway |
| Screenplay by | James L. Conway Charles E. Sellier Jr. |
| Based on | In Search of Noah's Ark by David W. Balsiger Charles E. Sellier Jr. |
| Produced by | Charles E. Sellier Jr. |
| Starring | Brad Crandall Vern Adix |
| Cinematography | Stephen W. Gray George Stapleford |
| Edited by | Sharron Miller |
| Music by | Bob Summers |
| Distributed by | Sunn Classic Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 94 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $55.7 million[1] or $24 million[2] |
Production notes
In Search of Noah's Ark was produced by Sunn Classic Pictures, a Utah-based independent film company that specialized in releasing low-budget family films and documentaries. Along with such features as Beyond and Back (1978) and In Search of Historic Jesus (1979), the film was one of a series of releases from the company that attempted to present convincing scientific evidence for Christian theology.[3] Parts of the film were shot in Park City, Utah.[4]
The film was based on the book by David W. Balsiger. Filmed independently and inexpensively, the documentary makes the assertion that Noah's Ark, from the biblical flood narrative, has been found on the slopes of Mount Ararat in Turkey, though physical and political difficulties prevent a more extensive study of the alleged vessel. The movie includes a re-enactment of Noah's story as one of its highlights.[5]
Reception
In Search of Noah's Ark grossed $55.7 million at the North American box office[1][6] and was the ninth highest grossing film of 1976 in the United States.
Follow-up film
On February 20, 1993, CBS aired a television special entitled The Incredible Discovery of Noah's Ark. Produced by Sunn Classic Pictures, it was intended as an updated follow-up to In Search of Noah's Ark. Hosted by Darren McGavin, the special features interviews with John C. Whitcomb, Philip C. Hammond, Charles Berlitz, David Coppedge, Carl Baugh and Tim LaHaye. The special included a section devoted to the claims of George Jammal, who showed what he called "sacred wood from the ark." Jammal's story of a dramatic mountain expedition which took the life of "his Polish friend Vladimir" was actually a deliberate hoax concocted with scholar Gerald Larue. Jammal – who was really an actor – later revealed that his "sacred wood" was taken from railroad tracks in Long Beach, California and hardened by cooking with various sauces in an oven.[7][8]
See also
References
- "In Search of Noah's Ark, Worldwide Box Office Information". Worldwide Box Office. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
- Donahue, Suzanne Mary (1987). American film distribution : the changing marketplace. UMI Research Press. p. 291. ISBN 9780835717762. Please note figures are for rentals in US and Canada
- Beyond and Back, AMC Movie Guide. AMC via Internet Archive. Archived and retrieved July 14, 2014.
- D'Arc, James V. (2010). When Hollywood came to town: a history of moviemaking in Utah (1st ed.). Layton, Utah: Gibbs Smith. ISBN 9781423605874.
- In Search of Noah's Ark at Christian Film Database. Archived 2014-11-07 at the Wayback Machine CFDb. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
- "In Search of Noah's Ark, Box Office Information". The Numbers. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
- Cerone, Daniel (October 30, 1993). "Admitting "Noah's Ark" Hoax". Los Angeles Times.
- Rosenberg, Howard (November 1, 1993). "Will CBS Realize the Error of its Ways?". Los Angeles Times.