Around the World Under the Sea

Around the World Under the Sea is a thrilling adventure-suspense film from 1966, directed by Andrew Marton and starring Lloyd Bridges, Shirley Eaton, and Brian Kelly. The film combines underwater exploration with tension-filled drama, influenced by the prevailing sentiments of the space race era, when exploring new frontiers was the calling card of the time. The film takes an impressive narrative journey traversing different oceans around the world beneath the sea.

The story begins as Dr. Doug Standish (Brian Kelly) and his eminent geophysicist friend Dr. Craig Mosby, brilliantly portrayed by Lloyd Bridges, prepare for a mission to install seismometers at the ocean floor around the world. Their noble endeavour aims to collect valuable data to predict underwater earthquakes, a scientific adventure never before attempted due to its high risks- both environmental and political.

Recruiting a team comprised of technical experts and underwater specialists, they prepare for an almost impossible venture aboard the technologically advanced submarine Hydronaut. The team includes the maverick engineer Hank Stahl (Keenan Wynn), ebullient scientist Dr. Orin Hillyard (Marshall Thompson), the audacious technician Phil Volker (Gary Merrill), and lastly the charismatic biologist and sole woman team member Dr. Maggie Hanford, played by the charming Shirley Eaton. Each character is unique and contributes significantly to the plot, making viewers invested in their survival and success.

The submarine Hydronaut is an imposing character in itself with its cutting-edge design. It was presented as an advanced exploration vessel, capable of withstanding the enormous pressure of deep-sea diving. Bridges, famous for his underwater roles in “Sea Hunt,” brings his immersive respect for the ocean to his character while Eaton’s character breaks the barrier of single-gender exploration in the sixties.

The narrative beautifully showcases their navigation through five different oceans, each with its unique natural dangers and political blocks. Simultaneously, the personal dynamics of the team members unfold with the escalating tension of their mission and confined quarters, adding a layer of human drama to the perilous task at hand.

The film is an interesting blend of the scientific and the speculative, reflecting the mid-sixties optimism in human capability and science. The special effects of the underwater sequences, replete with an exotic marine life, capture the audience’s imagination and infuse a sense of wonderment. Despite its half a century age, the film feels fresh due to its forward-looking narrative.

However, this wouldn't be an adventure film without danger. The crew faces numerous threats from nature’s wrath as well as political strife during their underwater travel. They must overcome these struggles not just to achieve their mission, but also to survive. Yet despite the tense action sequences, the film retains an educational and ecological note.

Andrew Marton’s expert direction, with cinematographer Clifford H. Poland Jr.’s eye for underwater aesthetics and a lively soundtrack by Harry Sukman, make the film a visual and auditory treat. The interactions between characters, and between characters and their treacherously beautiful surroundings, keep the viewers engaged.

Lloyd Bridges, with his immaculate charm, leads the cast skillfully. Supported by capable ensemble actors, he embodies a determined scientist who faces his task with fortitude despite all odds. Shirley Eaton brings a vibrant presence in an otherwise male-dominated screen. Brian Kelly adds depth, expertly portraying a balance of intellectual prowess and human vulnerability.

Around the World Under the Sea is primarily an adventure film, replete with high oceans, deep-sea dangers and a touch of romance. It manages to subtly address the themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the human spirit of discovery. This movie offers a nostalgic peek into the optimism of the sixties and its belief in the unstoppable march of science and exploration.

In conclusion, Around the World Under the Sea is a classic deep-sea adventure from the 1960’s that takes you on a perilous journey beneath the oceans. Its combination of action, suspense, science fiction and human drama, all set against a beautiful underwater backdrop, ensures that this film will continue to entertain generations to come.