Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude (1998)
It was one of humankind's most epic quests - a technical problem so complex that it challenged the best minds of its time, a problem so important that the nation that solved it would rule the economy of the world. The problem was navigation by sea—how to know where you were when you sailed beyond the sight of land - establishing your longitude. While the gentry of the 18th Century looked to the stars for the answer, an English clockmaker, John Harrison, toiled for decades to solve the problem. His elegant solution made him an unlikely hero and remains the basis for the most modern forms of navigation in the world today. This film will be both a celebration of Harrison's invention and an adventure story. An expedition on a period sailing vessel as it sails the open sea will demonstrate the life and death importance of finding your longitude at sea.
Cast
- Richard Dreyfuss - Narrator
- Patrick Malahide - John Harrison
Screenplay
- Dava Sobel (Book)
- David Axlerod
Themes
Behind the Scenes of Sports: Documentary Stories, Historical Figures and Biographies, Inspiring True Stories, Comedians' Lives and Stage Lights, Behind the Music: Artist Biopics
Keywords
biography, docudrama, navigation
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude about?
- It was one of humankind's most epic quests - a technical problem so complex that it challenged the best minds of its time, a problem so important that the nation that solved it would rule the economy of the world. The problem was navigation by sea—how to know where you were when you sailed beyond the sight of land - establishing your longitude. While the gentry of the 18th Century looked to the stars for the answer, an English clockmaker, John Harrison, toiled for decades to solve the problem. His elegant solution made him an unlikely hero and remains the basis for the most modern forms of navigation in the world today. This film will be both a celebration of Harrison's invention and an adventure story. An expedition on a period sailing vessel as it sails the open sea will demonstrate the life and death importance of finding your longitude at sea.
- Who directed Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude?
- Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude was directed by Peter Jones.
- Who stars in Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude?
- Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude stars Richard Dreyfuss, Patrick Malahide.
- How long is Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude?
- Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude has a runtime of 54m (54 minutes).
- What genre is Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude?
- Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude is a Adventure, Documentary, Drama, History, TV Movie film.
- Where was Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude produced?
- Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude was produced in Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America.
- What are the themes of Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude?
- The themes of Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude include: Behind the Scenes of Sports: Documentary Stories, Historical Figures and Biographies, Inspiring True Stories, Comedians' Lives and Stage Lights, Behind the Music: Artist Biopics.