I only heard about this movie about two weeks ago as I was checking some distributors of science fiction movies. I enjoy sci fi movies of the 60's and before so this fell right into my lap.
I bought this movie as a matter of fact today and have seen the collapse of New York 3 times today. No doubt I will be seeing it a few more times before I can put it to rest.
Seeing the destruction of New York puts a lump in my throat. Even though this movie is what is considered a disaster film using paper mache models, it looks quite impressive and real. The special effects don't leave too much to the imagination. See the Empire State Building crumble in a flash as well as every other skyscraper and then watch the city get washed over by the Hudson River.
This movie is quite tragic. Here we have a hero (Sidney Blackmer) who was very good to his wife and children and supposedly they had been lost by the earthquake and tidal wave.
Then he meets the swimmer (Peggy Shannon). They have their trials because like any other disaster movie, there are the good guys (the people who are trying to rebuild their lives and help each other, respect each other), and then there are the renegades who try to force their will on others through violence and gangs.