La vuelta al mundo bajo el mar

The film is definitely out dated with a group of world class scientists who are brought together to save the world from an impending volcanic eruption which could take place imminently from the bottom of the sea floor. Although the director attempts to bring some level of suspense and action with large sea creatures and explosive devices that have the oceans waves hit fifty (50) feet into the air, the only time I got a rise was when the petite and only female scientist Dr. Margaret E. 'Maggie' Hanford (Shirley Eaton) on board this submarine appeared on the screen.

The cast was decent enough as was the cinematography. What blew it for me (no pun intended) was the continual bombardment and use of explosions in a useless attempt to build action and adventure when none was present.

I was disappointed in both the story line and film's lack of any meaningful plot as well as the over abundance of meaningless explosions all in a failed attempt to build suspense and danger. It just did nothing for me except for the appearance of eye candy Shirley Eaton, who was the only worthy film presence.

I rate it a dismal 4 out of 10

"Around the World Under the Sea" is a great looking movie. The photography, both underwater and above, is terrific. The set design is top-notch. The colors are so bright, they're great. Unfortunately, the script lets the movie down. There's just not enough going on to keep your interest. The cast is good but they're not given enough to do. Behinds the way "Around the World Under the Sea" looks, there is little worth remembering about this movie.

A forgotten aquatic based sci-fier from an era that loved them, Andrew Marton's film isn't extremely bad exactly, it's just that it plods along without ever really reaching exciting heights.

Cast features Lloyd Bridges, Brian Kelly, Shirley Eaton, David McCallum and Keenan Wynn, who are tasked with traversing the world's ocean beds to plant sensors that will warn mankind of impending earthquakes. A tricky task for sure, especially after we have been told at the start that the depths of the ocean is more inhospitable than anything in space.

The science is of course nutty, as is the effects and photography work on show. Much of the film is taken up with talk, be it sci-fi boffins or heroes in waiting, or a burgeoning romance (Eaton locked in a submarine with a load of men, what a shock!), the chatter promises more than the film ultimately delivers. The expected perils arrive, a couple of beasties of the sea, some submarine damage threatens to scupper our heroes, which asks us to hold on to see how it will pan out. Thus who will survive etc? The end of the world core of the story, the earthquake science et al, is interesting to a cerebral degree, but it plays out like a screenplay that Irwin Allen read and threw in the trash can because it wasn't exciting enough. 5/10

Enhanced by beautiful underwater cinematography – complements of Clifford Pollard – Lloyd Bridges gave a spectacular performance recapturing my fond memories of "Sea Hunt". I seem to be giving this film the only positive comments however, I really did enjoy the adventure, suspense, and even the somewhat "campy" personal interaction between the characters. Also, excellent performances by David McCallum and Brian Kelly – whom I remember very fondly from "Man from Uncle" and "Flipper". I found the plot as plausible as other "diverting natural disaster" type films both present and past. As the film begins, increased seismic activity throughout the world is threatening to produce more frequent and stronger earthquakes. Lloyd Bridges and his well trained crew – scientists and experts in their own fields – borrow a submarine from the military to place sensors in the ocean for early worldwide earthquake detection. Going along for the ride with the 4 men and 1 woman crew were 2 scientific experimental guinea pigs. Disaster threatens the mission a couple of times when a giant sea inhabitant becomes entangled in the sub after trying to eat one of the crew. Also, an underwater volcano erupts burying half of the sub in molten lava. However, quick thinking and fast action from our heroes bring a happy ending to the story. If you are a fan of "diverting natural disaster" films – you will enjoy this one – however – you need to catch it on TV because there is no DVD available and VHS is very limited.

I have fond memories of this film, and watching it now they come back as strong as ever. Not only does lovely Bond girl Shirley Eaton make an appearance, but the stars of many of my fave shows of the 60s are present and accounted for: Lloyd Bridges (Mike Nelson of Sea Hunt), Brian Kelly (dad to Flipper), Marshall Thompson (Daktari himself), and David McCallum (the ever-cool Illya Kuryakin of U.N.C.L.E.). Along with the superb Keenan Wynn these cast members make a good compliment of aquanauts traveling in a futuristic sub on a mission to plant earthquake detecting devices around the globe. There's a solid script, just enough tension, and assured performances that supply a fun and diverting story. What really shines are the excellent underwater sequences courtesy of the Tors unit that set the standard for underwater action sequences (such as their Bond film sequences). Photographer Lamar Boren and director Ricou Browning do some of their best work here. The sub here is a real one (I found it decades later lying by the side of the interstate highway in south Florida next to an amusement park). It was built in 1956 by Martine Diving Bells of San Diego. Another nice part of this film are the great special effects by Project Unlimited (TV's Outer Limits and the props from the original Star Trek). While all the film seems quite dated now, it was believable action in its day, the sort of thing that was a not-so-guilty pleasure for a kid like me back then, and still very enjoyable today. Note the excellent score by Harry Sukman, which was released as a soundtrack LP that is a rare find these days.