20.000 Leagues under the Sea

Richard Fleischer's Jules Verne adaptation is almost a curiosity to watch today. The special effects that were so praised at the time are now taken for granted, although I did let myself be impressed by the long-armed giant squid.

The scientist Professor Aronnax, his secretary Conseil and the sailor Ned Land become the unwilling guests of the brilliant Captain Nemo aboard his impressive submarine Nautilus. The film is rather episodic in structure; first this dramatic event happens and then that one, without the connections becoming particularly clear.

James Mason has a suitably intense gaze as Nemo, but Kirk Douglas is tiresome as the singing, rebellious sailor Ned Land. I could easily have done without his sea shanties!