This is a story which was written by A.I.Bezzerides and directed by Robert D. Webb. It tells the story of two rival families who live off the Florida coast. Although related by origin, they separate themselves by the ethnic families. First is a Father and son team, Mike Petrakis and his son played by Gilbert Roland and Robert Wagner. Their rival family and Sponge divers as well is Richard Boone, the patriarch and his son, played by none other than Peter Graves as Arnold. Both families work hard at diving in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, for their precious cargo of Sponges. The only area where they both dare not venture is "The Twelve Mile Reef. " Although the reef and nearby waters are too dangerous to dive into, the area is claimed by Boone and his family. Not hampered by superstition, Wagner and his father chance the dangerous waters, when tragedy strikes which leads to confrontation between the families. Their blood feud escalates when Boone's daughter favors Wagner which leads to theft and arson. The movie is beautiful with it's panorama of the sea and it's majestic underwater cinematography. The action is slow to develop, but the dialog keeps it's pace. The actors are top grade and the movie captures enough physical action to make this not only a great film but moves itself into the Classic category. It is enhanced with the additional cast members such as Terry Moore, Gwyneth Rhys, Angela Clarke, Jay Novello and Jacques Aubuchon as Demetrios Sofotes. A great story from a great time and one recommended to all audiences. ****