In the 1972 film The Poseidon Adventure, the ocean liner is overturned during a New Year's Eve celebration.
The disaster film follows passengers aboard the fictional SS Poseidon as a massive undersea earthquake generates a tsunami that capsizes the ship. The catastrophe occurs while the passengers are gathered for a festive New Year's Eve party, creating the story's sharp contrast between celebration and survival.
After the ship turns upside down, a small group led by the Reverend Scott attempts to reach the hull by moving through the overturned vessel. The setting allows familiar rooms, stairways, and public spaces to become dangerous obstacles, a central feature of the film's suspense.
The Poseidon Adventure was released in 1972 and was directed by Ronald Neame. It is based on Paul Gallico's 1969 novel of the same name. The film is distinct from later Poseidon adaptations, including the 2005 television film and the 2006 movie Poseidon.