In Search of the Castaways (1962)

In the year 1858, the Britannia steamship, under the command of Captain John Grant (Jack Gwillim), is lost at sea, leaving behind a shroud of mystery and a bereft Glasgow shipping magnate, Lord Edward Glenarvan (Wilfrid Hyde-White). However, a flicker of hope ignites when Captain Grant's young offspring, Mary (Hayley Mills) and Robert Grant (Keith Hamshere), come across a cryptic note within a bottle, discovered in the belly of a shark. The note, believed to be from their marooned father, hints at his possible whereabouts. With the assistance of their congenial and wise friend, French Geography Professor Jacques Paganel (Maurice Chevalier), they embark on a journey from their Plymouth home to Glasgow. Their mission: to present the enigmatic message to Lord Glenarvan. Despite his initial skepticism, the resilient spirit and unwavering faith of the Grant children convince the Lord there may be a kernel of truth in their claims. Thus, begins an epic adventure as the Grant children, the Professor, Lord Glenarvan, and his young son, John Glenarvan (Michael Anderson, Jr.), set sail on a quest to find the lost Captain. Their only lead comprises obscure clues from the note and the mysterious phrase "37 parallel". Travelling on the grand yacht, "Persevero II", they traverse the globe, battling treacherous elements, confronting hostile natives, and braving natural calamities - from earthquakes and flash floods to avalanches and volcanoes. Even predatory alligators, jaguars, and mutineers, as well as a notorious man-eating Maoris dog, prove to be formidable obstacles on their path. Their journey leads them to the coastal town of Concepcion, Chile, where they hope to unearth the truth behind the Captain's fate. Meanwhile, amidst the dangers and excitement, a tender romance blossoms between the brave Mary Grant and the young John Glenarvan. "In Search of the Castaways" is a thrilling tale that intertwines the threads of hope, adventure, and love, all set against the backdrop of a world that's as beautiful as it is perilous. Will they find Captain Grant or will the mysteries of the sea prove too challenging for our courageous adventurers? This is a journey you don’t want to miss.

In Search of the Castaways is an adventure movie featuring Michael Wynne and directed by Robert Stevenson.

It is possible to buy In Search of the Castaways on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.