When Don Knotts died a while back there were a lot of things people said they would remember him for, in his long career. Most mentioned the brilliant character of Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show." Some, who will not be mentioned, remembered him on "Two's Company!" These people should not show their faces in public. Sadly nearly no one remembered him on his years
as "The Nervous Guy" on Steve Allen's "Man on the Street" segment. But, if you had asked my daughter this film would have been the first thing she spoke of, along with some other fans.
The film is one of those wonderful movies that can work for kids and adults. It is not terribly sophisticated, and it doesn't apologize for that.
This tale of a timid man who connects with his fish more readily than with the humanity around him, is easy for most kids to identify with, along with most adults who remember what it is like to be a kid.
Set during World War II, the story of the unhappily married 4-F Henry Limpet and his transformation into a fish is a decent mix of animation and live action. The adventure begins when Henry finds out that this new form of fish that he has become can become a secret weapon in the war against the German submarine fleet.
Here is the cast:
Don Knotts . . . Henry Limpet
Carole Cook . . . Bessie Limpet
Jack Weston . . . George Stickel
Andrew Duggan . . . Harlock
Larry Keating . . . Adm. P.P. Spewter
Oscar Beregi Jr. . . . Nazi Admiral
Charles Meredith . . . Fleet Admiral
Elizabeth MacRae . . . Ladyfish (voice)
Paul Frees . . . Crusty (voice)
This is another "Bargain Basement" production that is populated with fine performers giving above and beyond the script. It could have been a throw-away. Thank goodness it was not.
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