The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964) User Reviews (51)

Mr. Ed of the sea

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 28 November 2013]

This film takes me back many years to when I had an argument with a cousin who was into all things aquatic and he wanted to see this film. Being two years older and more mature about these things I scorned seeing The Incredible Mr. Limpet at the time when it was first out.

Well almost fifty years later I can admit I was wrong. The Incredible Mr. Limpet which seems to have a dopey premise is a really charming mixed live action animation story which Don Knotts is perfectly cast in. And what's wrong with a film where a man achieves his life ambition, in this case to be a member of the piscatorial community.

Don Knotts plays Henry Limpet, a shy bookish sort that years before Danny Kaye would have played who has all kinds of ailments including bad vision that keep him out of World War II, at least as a human. One day out at Coney Island, Knotts falls off the pier and drowns. Drowns as a human, but through an unseen power returns as a most unusual Mr. Ed kind of fish.

Knotts keeps his nearsightedness and the glasses he wore as a human as well, but he's developed a kind of sonic blast that keeps predators like sharks away. It all proves most useful to the US Navy because even though Don Knotts is a fish, he's patriotic American fish.

Carole Cook plays his frustrated wife and Jack Weston, Knott's best friend and man ready to catch Cook on the rebound as Knotts seems more interested life under the sea than the motion of the ocean with Cook.

Despite these sly adult innuendos, The Incredible Mr. Limpet is a nice family film that holds up well after half a century. And Knotts finds true love in the ocean and by now there are untold thousands of Limpet fish in our sea world.

At least I hope so.

Weird, zany, and humorous fantasy adventure

[MartianOctocretr5 · 7/10 · 2 July 2010]

This little oddball film from the mid 60's is hard to characterize. In the days just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, a nerdy, winsome misfit who is yet very amiable and loved by others, feels something just isn't right about his life. He interacts far more effectively with the little marine creatures inhabiting the aquarium in his house, than he does with his wife, friends, and co-workers.

Nobody but Don Knotts (doesn't that slightly knotted-up Knotts face slightly resemble a fishy to begin with? lol), could have pulled off a way-out live action/animation fantasy comedy like this. That high-pitched, nasally voice talent of his fits this role to a tee. Limpet sees (what he perceives to be) the carefree life of a fish, and wishes with all his might to be one of them. Presto, change-o, morpho! Welcome to the Atlantic a new bespectacled fish that has a unique ability that comes in handy for survival and in other ways you simply won't expect.

Odder still than all of that is the way the plucky little fish finds himself enmeshed in the naval battles of World War II. Although WW2 would seem like a stark place to set a fantasy comedy, this wacky little film manages to take all these elements and run with them for playful laughs. I'm not sure how I (or anybody else) would handle seeing a friend talking from the water as a fish, and the supporting cast are all perfect in the humorous "playing down" reactions they have to this bizarre situation.

Fun stuff.

It is one of those movies that will live on for a long time.

[dmacmartin · 8/10 · 8 July 2004]

It is a simplistic movie with a kid like charm. But maybe thats its strength. With sooo many movies today exhibiting violence, murder, rape, incest, hatred, etc. when it has to do with families and kids and the studios appearing to forget about movies with a REAL warmth about them (unless it is "politically correct" warmth), i.e. - TOO MANY movies today rewrite history like the Disney animated movies of today to make sure the "harmed parties" are put in a good light and others are put in a "bad light" it is always nice to see a movie that doesn't put on any airs to be genuine.

Don Knotts is a comedic genius and there are NONE like him in Hollywood today. It is sad to say that it appears Hollywood has forgotten what really entertains people, they seem to be focused upon what is sensational and appeals to the lowest form of human attention, meaning death, blood and violence and forgetting about the warmth and love of the past. For this reason this movie is a fantasy that will live forever.

Limpet and his sidekick, Crusty the crabby old bachelor

[laminuk · 4 October 2005]

I loved this movie when I was a child so I bought the video for my children. They got so caught up in the movie that they found themselves cheering for Henry and Crusty while they dodged the "torpedees" (as Crusty called them).

However, they weren't impressed with Mrs Limpet (the human). They thought she was too mean spirited for poor Henry. Early in the movie my daughter said she didn't blame Henry for wishing to be a fish. Anyone would with a wife like that!

As most good films have a good versus evil slant in the plot, this film also does in a sense. I don't mean the obvious Democracy vs Nazi fight, but the good, kind Henry vs the sneering, lecherous Stickle. As children's movies should be, it is toned down, but you still get an immediate sense of sympathy for Henry while secretly wishing Stickle would get his head stuck in a "torpedee" tube! All in all, a terrific film and one of my favourites!

Still Enjoying After 55 Years

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 8 September 2019]

This is a charming film for children or adults. I saw it on its first release when I was twelve. Rewatching it now, I still enjoy its positive message and unique presentation.

Using both live action and animation, this film combines the real word with the fantastic world of imagination, especially as represented by the inner thoughts of Henry Limpet, an unassuming man who yearns for a better life. It is reported that many actors were considered for the role of Mr. Limpet, but it is doubtful any of them could better represent this character than Don Knotts.

Accompanied by some enjoyable tunes by Sammy Fain and Harold Adamson, this story of a man who magically fulfills his dreams is as unpretentious as Don Knotts himself. The story takes place during WWII. Its patriotic aspects are underplayed and only exist to serve the greater story of Limpet's quest for happiness.

The animated story exists side by side with the live action. Great voice characterizations by Paul Frees (Crusty) and Elizabeth McRae (Ladyfish) add humor and even a little romance. On the live action side, Jack Weston ("Dirty Dancing") plays George Stickel, the unctuous "friend" who is always ready to take advantage of any situation.

Mr. Limpet is a gentle soul and a suitable protagonist for any age.

Groundbreaking Film Campy, Fun & OUT-OF -THE-BOX entertainment.

[thejcowboy22 · 7/10 · 9 March 2016]

Saw this movie when I was 6 years old and I never get tired of watching it. An anomaly for our star from West Virginia. Don Knotts plays a meek, bespectacled Bookkeeper from Brooklyn who was rejected by the armed services 4F. His passion or obsession is fish. Not to consume but to be one.A bold statement coming from our Mr.Henry Limpet.Henry has a domineering Wife Bessie Played by Carole Cook. Henry's collection of fish gets out of hand as he floods the apartment rug. Bessie lays down the law and says,"Either the fish goes or I go!" The Limpets are visited by a former third wheel George Stickle played by Jack Weston who also worked with Chimps on his TV program the Hathaway's. Stickle who is on shore leave from the Navy wants to do the town. The truth is that Henry is the third wheel in this triangle. Bessie and George would rather go dancing instead of sitting through boring lengthy lectures by ichthyologists. The trio agree on a venue. Coney Island. After all Henry exclaimed "WELL, I do like the water." Off they go for an Afternoon picnic by the pier. Henry fully clothed with a reverse evolution book in hand jumps into the water and the transformation begins. Warner Brothers animator Bob McKimson does a fine job of making a fish with glasses and it sort of captures the mannerisms of Don Knotts. George Stickle dives into save his friend and finds Henry in Fish form complete with glasses. They both looks at each other and shake their heads in disbelief and they swim away in opposite directions. Bessie distraught, is comforted by George as the police give up the search. Henry swims off and tries to be-friend other species of fish without any luck. Henry feels guilty about his dilemma and is quickly greeted by a hungry shark. He gasped and lets out a loud thrum. The shark is blown away. Henry swims on to a shipwreck and meets a hermit crab Crusty. Paul Frees voice man par excellence does a fine job making the crab come across like an old sea captain. Limpet sees a fish in distress on the verge of being some fisherman's dinner. Swoops by and cuts the fishing line in freeing our new member of the film Lady Fish voice by Elizabeth McRae. Limpet wants to help the navy in spotting Nazi U-boats with his thrum as a warning device or secret weapon. Henry directs the American destroyer to a Nazi sub with a direct hit. Henry tries top convince he's on the side of the allies and wants to give his services but Captain Harlock played by Andrew Duggan wants the recognition signal. Henry insists on meeting his pal George Stickle 3 days from now to straighten things with the Navy. After getting over the shock of his friends physical change, George and Henry are a piscatorial team in sinking one after another Nazi Submarines. Henry wants to be commissioned and have his wife receive a paycheck. Enter Larry Keating as Admiral Spewter who says, "Definitely Not!" The Fleet Admiral steps in and demands give the fish whatever he wants the convoy to Europe must not be stopped! Will Henry lead the ships across the Atlantic? Will Henry turn back into a human or stay a float and spend his remaining underwater life with his fish friends? Sit back with your Grandkids and enjoy The Incredible Mr. LImpet!

There's something fishy in Flatbush.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 21 August 2014]

Hasn't practically everybody at least once in their life fantasized about what it would be like to be a member of another species? Whether it is the animal who represents the year on the Chinese calendar you were born or your favorite animal at the zoo or even one you've only seen on Wild Kingdom, God's non-human creatures fascinate us. For milquetoast Don Knotts, his staid job and marriage to a nagging wife have made him a regular at the Brooklyn Aquarium, staring for hours at the fish and longing for their freedom. So all it takes is a brief song ("I Wish I Were a Fish") and a day at Coney Island for him to get his wish, and when he does, he finds out that he can be useful to the World War II navy by notifying them to the presence of German U-Boats and Submarines, aiding the allies in winning the war.

Part animation, part live action, this is non-Disney fantasy at its best, and a pre-cursor to "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" and "The Little Mermaid" with its underwater fantasy sequences. Who better to play this part than Barney Fife himself, Don Knotts? The glamorous Carole Cooke, then a popular T.V. comedienne, is his loving wife who tries a bit too hard to influence him, ultimately losing him, but finding comfort in the arms of his best friend, Naval officer Jack Weston whom Knotts locates aboard a naval ship in order to offer his services.

Made for both children and adults alike, the kids will find amusement at the animation sequences, particularly Knotts' crabby crab pal (complete with Wilford Brimley whiskers) and the "Battleship" theme. Andrew Duggan and Larry Keating play the perplexed Naval officers who must question their own sanity over the surprising ally they find swimming around them, while Elizabeth MacRae is an enchanting voice as Knotts' underwater paramour, "Ladyfish". Paul Frees is appropriately "crabby" as Crusty the Crab. I can't imagine how this could retain its charm in a remake. Forget the copycat, and stick with the original.

A Fish Tale customized into being Starring Vehicle for Mr. Don Knotts. An Interesting and Amusing Fantasy, Superior to many other Pictures he did.

[redryan64 · 7/10 · 12 December 2007]

This INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET (1964) could be described as a throwback, a beautiful anachronism and living relic of a previous era. It could be classified as mixed Animation-Live Action mixed media motion picture. In the final analysis, we could consider this to be a tailor made starring vehicle, designed and personally fit to the very popular 'Barney Fife' of "THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW", character actor/comedian, Mr. Don Knotts.

The film was moderately successful at the Box Office and did both exploit the popularity of Mr. Don Knotts; adding to his renown and fans at the same time. The Comedy-Fantasy blend, which included some neat musical overture, score and incidental musical cues by Frank Perkins (Composer & Conductor) and Carl Brandt (Orchestrations).

OUR STORY……….he time was the present day, 1964. The place was the Pentagon, where an urgent emergency, clarion call was put out for those members of the Armed Forces who were involved in the Top Secret operation that involved the military action of a Mr. Henry Limpet, a human fish lover, who had mysteriously and magically been transformed into a fish himself. It seemed that Uncle Sam needed someone to use as a go-between in their research about the porpoise using its shrill, high pitched vocalizations as communications.

We are quickly whisked back in time to World War II and we meet Mr. Henry Limpet, a sort of Walter Middy type who works in an office for a living, but lives to raise more and more aquarium fish, of all kinds. He appears to lead a cuckolded life as His wife, Bessie Limpet (Carole Cook) is definitely too cozily involved with Seaman F.C. George Stickel (Jack Weston) of the U.S. Navy. Limpet wishes and wishes to become a Fish and miraculously, he does just that. He becomes a Fish of unknown Species, who still wears glasses and still looks like Barney Fife.

Limpet and new found Love, Ladyfish (Elizabeth Mac Rae-voice), soon have settled down to a new life, when it is found that a high pitched sound that Limpet makes is a great deterrent to the Nazi German U Boats and their deadly cargo of torpedoes. War over, everybody lives happily ever after.

That is until at the closing of the story we see George Stickel, now an Officer, in a large boat, attempting to make contact in the waters near Florida.

"THE INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET" gave the public in the middle '60's a little escapism, a few laughs and a reason to watch animation outside of Disney's. It served as an excellent Old School Animation project as well as a Starring Vehicle for Don Knotts. And it was a "G" Rated film to be enjoyed by all; the Kids for the Story Book-Like tall Tale and the Adults for the Humor.

I would highly recommend this film for children.

[mark-1610 · 10/10 · 25 February 2006]

I saw this movie when I was a child, maybe 3 or 4 years old. It made such a big impression on me that I have thought about it off and on for my entire adult life, but couldn't remember the movie's name. For Christmas this year, out of the blue, my mother gave me the DVD as a present. She told me that she knew I would like it because it affected me so much. This movie made me cry even as an adult.

I would highly recommend that children see this movie, at any age. It has a strong message about believing in one's self and one's abilities.

Don Knotts was a very gifted actor, and now that he has passed away, I think people should reflect on his career and his genius.

Mush and Bilgewater

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 29 November 2013]

Overlong family film starring Don Knotts as the mild-mannered title character who wishes himself into a fish. An animated fish, to be exact. Then he goes on to have adventures fighting Nazi's in WW2. Live action parts are dullsville but the animated parts are enjoyable and endearing. Not sure why the subplot involving the wife and the best friend was included. It's like somewhere along the way they thought about making it something other than a family movie but wound up backing off of that a little. Still seems out of place. It's charming enough but don't expect much in the comedy department, despite Knotts' presence. It's much more of a "this makes me smile" type of movie than "this makes me laugh." See it for Ladyfish and Crusty the crab. They're the best parts.

I loved Don Knotts--but hated this film

[planktonrules · 3/10 · 28 February 2006]

Is there something I am missing here? I mean that this film, despite a reasonably high IMDb score, is a really dumb movie, isn't it?! Seeing a high number of glowing reviews makes me start to doubt my own sanity. I remember clearly that this movie as a stupid little fantasy movie about a fish-loving guy who is magically transformed into an ugly fish that wears glasses and helps the US Navy. Right?! Well, based only on that thin description it just seems obvious that this is a dopey movie and a real waste of Don Knotts talents. And he left The Andy Griffith Show one year later, after doing this??? But, there is definitely no consensus here. You see the film and be the judge. Maybe there is something about this movie that makes it worth seeing--I just never noticed it.

Found You-At Last!

[bml8384 · 8/10 · 10 August 2014]

Well, this has been some weekend.

I've been trying to figure out for years if I actually saw this film as a kid in the 70's and didn't just dream it up. Absolutely no- one knew what I was talking about, including my Mother, and I just put it down to an amazingly vivid dream.

Then yesterday I visited my old house, where I saw the film, and tonight I'm looking randomly at an old comic site and up pops this image- I was stunned! But delighted.

Like the first reviewer this really stuck in my head for some reason, I guess it must be some tribute to a film to stick in the mind for decades after a single viewing. Something about it seemed very emotional even to a 5 year old.

So grab a copy for your kid and create some long term memories- me, I'm off to Amazon to buy a little piece of my childhood.

Don Knotts is Funny, And This Film is Just Weird

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 6 December 2010]

A man who loves fish (Don Knotts) is rated 4-F and cannot join the Navy. After wishing to be a fish, he actually gets his wish. This film follows his exploits as a fish, meeting different species and helping destroy the Nazi menace.

Another reviewer summed up the movie as follows: "Basic middle-aged husband's fantasy: Dump the annoying, controlling, aging wife for the younger, more submissive, slutty woman." I absolutely saw aspects of this. The wife was not lovable, but Limpet seemed rather easily swayed by the prospects of the ladyfish. Sure, he had reservations, but not until after flirting with her.

I enjoyed it because it was very strange and because I like Don Knotts. But, yeah, not really sure what was all up with it. Very odd film.

"Das Limpet!"

[moonspinner55 · 4/10 · 29 November 2009]

WWII-era bookkeeper--hopelessly near-sighted and strictly 4-F with the Navy--changes into a fish and aids the U.S. battleships in an attack against Nazi subs. Though it takes forever to get going, this is a harmless, mindless, partly-animated diversion for children. Probably the most popular of the Don Knotts vehicles of the 1960s, and indisputably the best-produced of the lot; however, with Limpet an underwater success as a military 'secret weapon', his insistence on gaining recognition, compensation, and a lieutenant's ranking for his work coats the product with an unattractive cynicism. The animation is better than it had to be, though the interiors are overlit and most of the performances are phoned-in. ** from ****

One Of My All Time Favorites...

[llmoniz · 25 February 2006]

The Incredible Mr. Limpet has always been a long time favorite movie of mine, the first movie I remember as a child.

From start to finish, the message of this movie, the music, and the superb comedy of Don Knotts makes this such a treat to watch.

The innovative use of live action and animation still holds up great today.

I just found out that Don Knotts passed away last night. I will forever miss him, and always remember him for his wonderful portrayal as Henry Limpet.

Go get this movie on DVD, you will not be disappointed.

Rest in Peace Don Knotts.

Larry Lee Moniz

Das Limpet!

[hitchcockkelly · 7/10 · 30 January 2023]

By gosh, this is a silly movie, but if you're willing to buy into the premise, it delivers on its promise. It only confirms my theory that good fantasies have just one big "what if", and the story flows (semi)logically from there. The animated sequences work, and the actors give it their all. I've seen more talented people give worse performances in better movies. Carole Cook, especially, has the thankless task of having an emotional scene with a cartoon fish, but she serves it up...I mean, she performs it well. People changing into animals is an old mythic motif, and it is a great hero story. If you have small kids, they will probably enjoy it.

A strange little curiosity that also serves as a swan song to the first era of Warner Bros. animation

[IonicBreezeMachine · 6/10 · 8 October 2023]

Set during World War II, Meek Brooklyn based Bookkeeper Henry Limpet (Don Knotts) has been classified 4F unfit for military service while finding himself often lost in thoughts and daydreams of fish, much to the bemusement of his best friend and wife George Stickle (Jack Weston) and Bessie (Carole Cook) respectively. On a day trip to Coney Island while George is on leave from the Navy, George and Bessie hear a splash believing Henry has fallen in the water and after failing to find him assume he's drowned. Unbeknownst to them, Henry has turned into fish and absolutely loves his new life while also struggling with thoughts of what he's left behind. When Henry sees a U. S. Navy Battleship under attack from a German U-Boat, Henry assists Captain Harlock (Andrew Duggan) in the fight through use of his high powered sonar yell called a "strum" and helps sink the U-Boat. While the Navy is reluctant to trust Henry knowing him only as a voice from the water, he connects via George Stickle who becomes his liaison with Henry now a secret weapon against the German U-Boats.

The Incredible Mr. Limpet is a 1964 adaptation of the 1942 novel Mr. Limpet by Theodore Pratt. The film came about thanks to John C. Rose, a former story editor for Walt Disney Pictures who became a producer, who had procured the rights to the Mr. Limpet novel and set up the project at Warner Bros. The film is notable for being not only the first vehicle for Don Knotts (who made it during hiatus from The Andy Griffith Show), but also for being the final effort of Warner Bros. Cartoons which would be shuttered after the film's completion (until a brief revival in 1967, followed by a more permant stint with Warner Bros. Animation in 1980). While reception to the film was and continues to be mixed, the film was nonetheless a financial success and paved the way for several other high concept comedy vehicles that Don Knotts would headline and become synonymous with. The Incredible Mr. Limpet is a technically impressive final effort from that era of Warner Bros. Animation, but the movie itself will depend on how you feel about Knotts' comedic schtick.

In terms of the animation on display, this is probably the pinnacle of effort that we've seen from Warner Bros. Who traditionally had been more frugal in comparison to their competitors at Disney. This was produced at a time when Disney was going for more economical approaches in Xerox based animation beginning with One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and with The Incredible Mr. Limpet there's a level of grace and elegance to the animation of the film's underwater world you don't usually see in Looney Tunes. While the film doesn't feature much in terms of the trademark visual comedic stylings we typically expect of this outfit, we do get some amusing bits especially courtesy of hermit crab Crusty played by Paul Frees whose delivery and more acerbic counter point gives him some memorable moments in comparison to Knotts' Mr. Limpet. Which I guess brings us to the stuff outside of the film's technical craft which isn't bad, but it's not particularly impressive either. Aside from the general weirdness of Henry Limpet's obsession with fish, the movie's not laugh out loud funny and plays itself fairly straight most of the time. On occasion we'll get bouts of silliness such as the scenes of Nazi officers reacting to news of Limpet in shouting German or some special torpedoes that have a very Acme/Wile E. Coyote look to them, but it's played very much with the same hokey sincerity that Disney's The Absent-Minded Professor played itself with. I've never been a big fan of Don Knotts (my go to comedy Don is always going to be Don Adams) and having been passingly familiar with his schtick it's really no better or worse here than elsewhere.

The Incredible Mr. Limpet from a technical standpoint is a bittersweet farewell to Warner Bros. Cartoons especially given the high quality of the animation on display, it's just a shame it's attached to a movie that while not bad is content to just be unoffensively average. Warner Bros. Has been trying to do a remake of this movie since at least the 90s when Jim Carrey was considered for a vehicle (along with animation tests that are said to have been "nightmarish" in their results) and given the unexceptional nature of the original, they've got more wiggle room upward than downward.

The World of Mr. Limpet is Unique, and Kind of Silly

[daoldiges · 6/10 · 10 November 2022]

I'm one of those folks who saw The Incredible Mr. Limpet as a kid, so my viewpoint may be slightly skewed, but I still kind of like it. Not as much as I did as a kid, but found it still has some charm. All the performances are solid enough, the real life/animation combination still works, and the basic story is still good. I guess in some respects, or at some point in each life, we can all feel like a fish out of water. I don't think I've ever seen Don Knotts in anything but the Andy Griffith Show, but I found him to be a good match for this material. This is a film both children and adults can all enjoy.

Influential animation

[gbill-74877 · 6/10 · 6 March 2023]

"What if I told you I was once a human being?" "I don't care how terrible your past was, Limpet. I'll help you forget."

When the focus is on the animation, either standalone or mixing it into the real world, this film is at its best. It's heart is in the right place too, with nearsighted bookkeeper turned fish (Don Knotts) fighting the good fight against the Nazis, and resisting the charms of "Ladyfish" (Elizabeth MacRae) to swim off to the "spawning ground" when he first meets her. The story gets bogged down in procedural type things, however, and the musical interludes don't do it any favors eithers. It's just one that's harder to appreciate as an adult nearly 60 years later. Crusty the crab was kinda fun though.

a wish come true!

[eileenmchenry · 8/10 · 22 January 2004]

This film holds universal appeal for people who dream of one day turning into fish. Henry Limpet is one of these people, and the dream comes true suddenly when he falls off the pier at Coney Island. From this point Henry finds his destiny, finding true love and working for the US Navy to help defeat the Nazis. Sort of a piscatorial Walter Mitty tale, with a very happy ending. Recommended also because it affords viewers the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Don Knotts serenading a goldfish.

A Darwinian Fish Tale

[ccthemovieman-1 · 2/10 · 9 March 2007]

Well, the agenda on this kids' film was more-than-apparent, right from the start. Kiddies, we are going to tell you how man was created: from fish, not from God!

Yup, here's another evolution plug, as espoused by the lead character voiced by none other than Don Knotts. "Mr. Limpet" explains that human life began with fish. He then turns to a book called "Reverse Evolution" and then literally wills himself into transforming into a fish.

At that point, I saw away in disgust. Man, if they talked about God creating human life, the critics would have lambasted this movie. Instead, the love it and cite its wonderful heroics in fighting the Nazis. Well, being a WWII hero is fine. Who can argue with that? Everyone roots for Knotts the man and the fish in that category. It's too bad they had to be in our face with their secular evolution agenda, too, and didn't keep it just to a straight war-hero story.

Fantastic Movie!

[skakim · 10/10 · 29 August 2001]

I have loved this movie since I was small (I was 4 when it came out). For many years it seemed like it was hardly played on TV, so when I FINALLY found it on video a few years ago, I snatched it up. It has been nice to share my wonder with the movie with my daughter, and since I bought my copy, I've seen it on TV quite a few times.

1960's live action/animated film that is rather bland.

[BigWhiskers · 2/10 · 17 November 2010]

I wasn't born when this movie originally came out but when I was 7 or 8 ,I kind of remember seeing a re-release of it at a small theater in my hometown in 1973. I don't think I liked it then and seeing it again last night on TCM reminded me of why I probably didn't like it back in 1973. The whole plot of course which is ridiculous and of course fantasy plods along with Don Knotts his usual boring bug-eyed self hamming it up for the camera. I found none of the characters appealing ,in fact most are annoying from his buddy George to his annoying henpecking wife Bessie. After he turns into a fish via a live action/animated sequence that is probably the only interesting part of the movie, he spends most of it swimming around in long boring sequences . Eventually meeting up with a crusty old hermit crab - who is the only somewhat decent thing about this movie and a very annoying female fish that is a parody of what I'd call a loose woman - wanting to spawn moments after meeting Mr Limpet, wrapping herself around him and groping him. Inappropriate for kids to say the least. The rest of the movie is rather bland and boring with more scenes of swimming through generically animated ocean caverns etc and the whole Navy subplot so thoroughly a plug to get people to join I'd bet since the war had been over for almost 20 yrs when this film was released and enlistments were probably low.

I'd also have to say that the worst scene in the movie takes place in Limpets mind when he is helping the Navy sink U-Boats.

In this really moronic scene which is also an anachronism , Limpet sees himself back in human form being treated as a national hero ,marching in parades ,speaking to crowds ,waving etc with stock footage of most likely WW2 parades after the war was over and not only is the admirals uniform he wears of the wrong country(it's British) , it's also about 30 yrs out of date being from WW1 days. He is also shown wearing it as a fish etc. For the most part , this movie has all the wrong elements to be decent , for kids , the sexual fish on fish thing , the divorce aspects, the slimy friend moving in on his buddies wife. I give it 2/10 , only thing keeping it from a 1 is Crusty the crab who not only knows women are trouble but also wisely opts out of any sequels. Oh wait , Hollywood is remaking it , surprise surprise - another in a long list of remakes proving Hollywood is running out of original ideas.

A Fish Story that refuses to become outdated.

[denscul · 26 February 2006]

There are not many movies that I can watch and enjoy with my grand kids, but this is one of them. This movie uses Knotts's voice, which was his greatest gift, to portray a fish who becomes a hero that Henry Limpet (classified 4f), could not be in real life. This movie is funny because it has the Navy recognizing a fish for a decoration and pay for his widow. The go between is Jack Weston, who plays the "other man" between Limpet and his wife. Weston seems more interested in Limpet's wife, while Limpet is more interested in fish. It's this gloss-over that makes it possible to watch the movie with youngsters without too many questions being asked. The ability to write scripts and make movies that can appeal to different levels at the same time seems to be lacking in today's movies.

Also found in this movie, and lacking in many current movies, is the obvious desire of Limpet to do his part in facing the enemy of the time. The movie is a flash back to WWII when the Nazi sub force was decimating Allied shipping, even before war was declared. The US Navy had to have loved this movie for helping with its recruiting, and they had to laugh at some of the "career boosters" for those involved in using a fish to fight subs.

Contrary to some previous posts, this movie does have enemies and victims. The Limpet and the Navy blew up a lot of ships. The nice thing about WWII was that our enemies were more clearly defined.

AS A CHILD, MY ALL TIME NUMBER ONE FAVORITE!

[thecxbum · 10/10 · 24 February 2018]

I was born end of 1959,so I was 4 or 5 years old. I recall begging my mom to buy me a goldfish, and yes, named him Mr Limpet! Had him several years, maybe 4. Still brings a smile to my face. For the life of me, I cannot find this in DVD, or any medium. Any hints? Thanks! Steve