20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Release Date: June 29, 1954

This movie was one of Walt's most ambitious film projects up to that time. For this epic movie, Walt wanted to make sure he had the right director, and so he reached out to Richard Fleischer, who was the son of Walt's biggest competitor. Richard talked to his father before accepting the offer, and his father, Max Fleischer, told him to take the job and tell Walt he had good taste in directors. Richard Fleischer was able to carry out Walt's vision for the film and made it a huge success!

As a child, I loved the more exciting scenes, like when the Nautilus attacks other ships, but most especially the giant squid scene. This scene actually had to be shot twice. The first time the setting for the scene was a sunset on a calm sea, but the puppet strings were easily visible. Someone (possibly Walt) suggested the scene be re-shot with a stormy night as the setting. This worked out perfectly, and became the classic scene the movie is perhaps most famous for!

As an adult, I continue to love the action scenes, but I also love the deeper psychological elements to the movie. James Mason's performance as Captain Nemo is nothing short of outstanding! He portrays his character's brilliance countered with madness in a manner that is so cool and calm that it is eerie. Kirk Douglas brings Ned Land to life in a perfect foil to Captain Nemo. Where Nemo appears calm and collected, but is absolutely mad inside, Ned is brash and loud, but still strongly tethered to his own humanity. The actors for these roles were perfect choices!

The scenery for this movie is absolutely stunning! The submarine set is beautiful! For a few years after the movie's release, you could walk through parts of the set at Disneyland, with many original props as part of the exhibit. The only surviving set piece at the park is Captain Nemo's organ, which now resides in the Haunted Mansion. The undersea footage in the movie is also gorgeous, and was shot in the Bahamas. Peter Ellenshaw's incredible matte paintings also play a major role in this movie when the crew visits Captain Nemo's secret island.

All in all, this movie is extremely well done and it is one of my favorites. There are so many great quotes from the movie--not witty one-liners, but thought-provoking statements that linger in the mind long after the movie is over. I love movies that make me think, and this one balances this aspect with fantastic storytelling. I highly recommend this movie to everyone!