The Incredible Mr. Limpet

This film takes me back many years to when I had an argument with a cousin who was into all things aquatic and he wanted to see this film. Being two years older and more mature about these things I scorned seeing The Incredible Mr. Limpet at the time when it was first out.

Well almost fifty years later I can admit I was wrong. The Incredible Mr. Limpet which seems to have a dopey premise is a really charming mixed live action animation story which Don Knotts is perfectly cast in. And what's wrong with a film where a man achieves his life ambition, in this case to be a member of the piscatorial community.

Don Knotts plays Henry Limpet, a shy bookish sort that years before Danny Kaye would have played who has all kinds of ailments including bad vision that keep him out of World War II, at least as a human. One day out at Coney Island, Knotts falls off the pier and drowns. Drowns as a human, but through an unseen power returns as a most unusual Mr. Ed kind of fish.

Knotts keeps his nearsightedness and the glasses he wore as a human as well, but he's developed a kind of sonic blast that keeps predators like sharks away. It all proves most useful to the US Navy because even though Don Knotts is a fish, he's patriotic American fish.

Carole Cook plays his frustrated wife and Jack Weston, Knott's best friend and man ready to catch Cook on the rebound as Knotts seems more interested life under the sea than the motion of the ocean with Cook.

Despite these sly adult innuendos, The Incredible Mr. Limpet is a nice family film that holds up well after half a century. And Knotts finds true love in the ocean and by now there are untold thousands of Limpet fish in our sea world.

At least I hope so.

Well, this has been some weekend.

I've been trying to figure out for years if I actually saw this film as a kid in the 70's and didn't just dream it up. Absolutely no- one knew what I was talking about, including my Mother, and I just put it down to an amazingly vivid dream.

Then yesterday I visited my old house, where I saw the film, and tonight I'm looking randomly at an old comic site and up pops this image- I was stunned! But delighted.

Like the first reviewer this really stuck in my head for some reason, I guess it must be some tribute to a film to stick in the mind for decades after a single viewing. Something about it seemed very emotional even to a 5 year old.

So grab a copy for your kid and create some long term memories- me, I'm off to Amazon to buy a little piece of my childhood.

I remember seeing this as a child, being totally mesmerized that Don Knotts, of Barney Fife fame, turned into a fish! It's a great movie for children, too. Such a wonderful fantasy about a meek man who just wishes he were a fish, or be enlisted in the Navy. Fortunately his wishes come true and the USA is able to win WWII! There's a couple of bloopers, too, which were fun to catch including wardrobe and hair styles. The romance and love story plots are included, so don't worry....

Overall, after all these years, it's still an enjoyable movie and quite a fantasy fairy tale. He careful what you wish for....

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.

This film holds universal appeal for people who dream of one day turning into fish. Henry Limpet is one of these people, and the dream comes true suddenly when he falls off the pier at Coney Island. From this point Henry finds his destiny, finding true love and working for the US Navy to help defeat the Nazis. Sort of a piscatorial Walter Mitty tale, with a very happy ending. Recommended also because it affords viewers the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Don Knotts serenading a goldfish.