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.
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.