The Incredible Mr. Limpet

The Incredible Mr. Limpet has always been a long time favorite movie of mine, the first movie I remember as a child.

From start to finish, the message of this movie, the music, and the superb comedy of Don Knotts makes this such a treat to watch.

The innovative use of live action and animation still holds up great today.

I just found out that Don Knotts passed away last night. I will forever miss him, and always remember him for his wonderful portrayal as Henry Limpet.

Go get this movie on DVD, you will not be disappointed.

Rest in Peace Don Knotts.

Larry Lee Moniz

It is a simplistic movie with a kid like charm. But maybe thats its strength. With sooo many movies today exhibiting violence, murder, rape, incest, hatred, etc. when it has to do with families and kids and the studios appearing to forget about movies with a REAL warmth about them (unless it is "politically correct" warmth), i.e. - TOO MANY movies today rewrite history like the Disney animated movies of today to make sure the "harmed parties" are put in a good light and others are put in a "bad light" it is always nice to see a movie that doesn't put on any airs to be genuine.

Don Knotts is a comedic genius and there are NONE like him in Hollywood today. It is sad to say that it appears Hollywood has forgotten what really entertains people, they seem to be focused upon what is sensational and appeals to the lowest form of human attention, meaning death, blood and violence and forgetting about the warmth and love of the past. For this reason this movie is a fantasy that will live forever.

This little oddball film from the mid 60's is hard to characterize. In the days just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, a nerdy, winsome misfit who is yet very amiable and loved by others, feels something just isn't right about his life. He interacts far more effectively with the little marine creatures inhabiting the aquarium in his house, than he does with his wife, friends, and co-workers.

Nobody but Don Knotts (doesn't that slightly knotted-up Knotts face slightly resemble a fishy to begin with? lol), could have pulled off a way-out live action/animation fantasy comedy like this. That high-pitched, nasally voice talent of his fits this role to a tee. Limpet sees (what he perceives to be) the carefree life of a fish, and wishes with all his might to be one of them. Presto, change-o, morpho! Welcome to the Atlantic a new bespectacled fish that has a unique ability that comes in handy for survival and in other ways you simply won't expect.

Odder still than all of that is the way the plucky little fish finds himself enmeshed in the naval battles of World War II. Although WW2 would seem like a stark place to set a fantasy comedy, this wacky little film manages to take all these elements and run with them for playful laughs. I'm not sure how I (or anybody else) would handle seeing a friend talking from the water as a fish, and the supporting cast are all perfect in the humorous "playing down" reactions they have to this bizarre situation.

Fun stuff.

This is a charming film for children or adults. I saw it on its first release when I was twelve. Rewatching it now, I still enjoy its positive message and unique presentation.

Using both live action and animation, this film combines the real word with the fantastic world of imagination, especially as represented by the inner thoughts of Henry Limpet, an unassuming man who yearns for a better life. It is reported that many actors were considered for the role of Mr. Limpet, but it is doubtful any of them could better represent this character than Don Knotts.

Accompanied by some enjoyable tunes by Sammy Fain and Harold Adamson, this story of a man who magically fulfills his dreams is as unpretentious as Don Knotts himself. The story takes place during WWII. Its patriotic aspects are underplayed and only exist to serve the greater story of Limpet's quest for happiness.

The animated story exists side by side with the live action. Great voice characterizations by Paul Frees (Crusty) and Elizabeth McRae (Ladyfish) add humor and even a little romance. On the live action side, Jack Weston ("Dirty Dancing") plays George Stickel, the unctuous "friend" who is always ready to take advantage of any situation.

Mr. Limpet is a gentle soul and a suitable protagonist for any age.

There are not many movies that I can watch and enjoy with my grand kids, but this is one of them. This movie uses Knotts's voice, which was his greatest gift, to portray a fish who becomes a hero that Henry Limpet (classified 4f), could not be in real life. This movie is funny because it has the Navy recognizing a fish for a decoration and pay for his widow. The go between is Jack Weston, who plays the "other man" between Limpet and his wife. Weston seems more interested in Limpet's wife, while Limpet is more interested in fish. It's this gloss-over that makes it possible to watch the movie with youngsters without too many questions being asked. The ability to write scripts and make movies that can appeal to different levels at the same time seems to be lacking in today's movies.

Also found in this movie, and lacking in many current movies, is the obvious desire of Limpet to do his part in facing the enemy of the time. The movie is a flash back to WWII when the Nazi sub force was decimating Allied shipping, even before war was declared. The US Navy had to have loved this movie for helping with its recruiting, and they had to laugh at some of the "career boosters" for those involved in using a fish to fight subs.

Contrary to some previous posts, this movie does have enemies and victims. The Limpet and the Navy blew up a lot of ships. The nice thing about WWII was that our enemies were more clearly defined.