Long before Sebastian the Crab met Ariel the Mermaid, there was Crusty the crab and "The Incredible Mr. Limpet". This is a fun film from 1964 starring Don Knotts in one of his best roles. Don plays Henry Limpet, who, like most Don Knotts characters, is the ultimate wimp. He's a likeable guy but really suffers from an inferiority complex as his frail form and fearful nature work against his aspirations. He'd like to join the Navy and help the allies beat the Nazi's in WWII. Of course, he can't pass the physical.
He had chosen the Navy over other services because of his other love, fish. He loves the ocean and all that is in it. Despondent over failing his physical, he goes to the docks to look at the ocean and contemplate his life. He makes a wish that he could live the carefree life of a fish and magically, he becomes one.
He's a completely unknown species and he still needs his glasses to see properly but he's quite happy with the change. Until that is, he sees that there are some dangers under the sea. He manages to survive these attacks on his very life with more bravery and cunning than he used to use to survive plain old bullies as a human.
His confidence built, and with some help from a new friend, crusty the crab, voiced by Paul Frees, he manages to meet his old Navy friend, George, played by Jack Weston. He volunteers to help the navy in the war effort by using two unique talents. The first is just that he's a fish. He can help ships navigate mine fields and alert them to the presence of enemy subs. The second talent is his voice. This new species of fish has a booming voice that can be heard for miles and can disrupt enemy sonar. He uses it as a weapon of sorts and basically scares off any enemy subs or ships in his way. This allows him to safely escort Allied ships anywhere they want to go.
Well, I don't want to spoil the ending but since it's a 60's Don Knotts film you can guess that it ends well with everyone happy and Limpet even gets the girl!
All of the fish and underwater scenes are animated while the above water scenes are live action. This was pretty sophisticated in the 60's and there are few scenes where animated and live action share the screen. Those that do have Limpet pretty far away from George as he gets new orders or shares new information.
By today's standards the special effects, the scenery or sets, and even the acting are below par. But even with that it's an enjoyable Sunday afternoon, whole family kind of film. It's fun, entertaining and heartwarming, without taxing the brain.
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