La cité sous la mer

There's a certain class of film, it seems above all among those hailing from the 30s, 40s, and 50s, that any well-rounded viewer will surely recognize. They're not bad, and in fact are mildly enjoyable, but are definitely nothing special, and one can usually "watch" without especial active engagement. Such films may be overly casual about exposition, and plot development generally (including in the direction, and subsequently the acting), to the point that some information is imparted so indifferently or outright poorly that it's easy to miss - but it doesn't particularly matter anyway, because the storytelling is on the lighter and less robust side of things. In case it's not already clear, 'City beneath the sea' counts among such films. As one expects we also get some ham-handedness, intended humor that may or may not elicit a real reaction, tiresomely old-fashioned dynamics between men and women, and variable levels of quality. I admire Charles P. Boyle's smart cinematography, for example, including the underwater sequences; in contrast, the sound design is imbalanced and unreliable. The cabaret sequence where we first meet Venita is fun and well done, and Suzan Ball makes a stunning first impression; on the other hand, part of why this scene stands out is because meaningful care and energy was put into it, whereas many other scenes are handled so blithely, often with a happy-go-lucky frivolousness and frivolity, that ensure they come and go as unremarkably as that one square foot of sidewalk you walked over that one day. Don't remember any patch of sidewalk? Yes, that's the point.

The sets are pretty terrific, and the costume design, hair, and makeup are easy on the eyes. Those stunts and effects that are employed are rather splendid. While Ball makes a great first impression, and there are some noteworthy names and faces starring alongside her, the cast don't necessarily stand out otherwise. In addition to meek treatment of the material the picture also struggles with pacing, not least in scenes that take place underwater (remember the dull climax of 'Thunderball?'). There are some swell ideas here, both in terms of scenes and the overall narrative; incidentally, it seems to me that some of the best writing is reserved for moments that include Ball. But too often the plot development, sequencing, and storytelling at large feel scattered, and less than fully committed or convincing. Why, it almost comes across that no one involved was specifically interested in the movie they were making. I don't mean that no effort was made, because that's not true, and there are some definite sparks in the acting. Those sparks are erratic and irregular, however, and no matter how well done the various bits and bobs are, there's a considerable lack of vitality in the feature as a whole. What traits 'City beneath the sea' carries with it at its best - attentiveness, energy, discernible skill and intelligence - needed to be more present and consistent throughout the entire length, in every regard. Had they been, the title would be remembered as more than a footnote in the careers of those who participated in its creation, and one of the few credits to Ball's name. In fairness, the climax is well done, and that quality carries through to the end.

I do like this, but it's something to watch on a quiet, lazy day, and nothing that one needs to go out of their way to see. Moreover, it's recommended most for those who are diehard fans of those on hand; for general audiences, take it or leave it. Granted, not every film needs to be a revelation, and it's enough for some to be gently entertaining. And that's kind of true here. Would that it weren't also so easy to see how the end result might have been improved. 'City beneath the sea' is passably decent if you happen to come across it, and maybe we should just leave it at that.

Genuine chemistry between Ryan and Powers lifts this a notch above fodder. But what happened to Susan Ball, her performance is almost not there. The camaraderie between Ryan and Quinn is the crux of the story, and unfortunately it doesn't work. There is a fun underwater earthquake that topples the "city", but spectacular it ain't. George Matthews makes a very sleazy villain.

There were batches of underwater adventure movies in Hollywood besides this one: BENEATH THE 12 MILES REEF, UNDERWATER, SHARKFIGHTERS.... This one directed by Budd Boetticher for his Universal Studios contract period is very enchanted, full of color and helped by a strong cast with the likes of Robert Ryan and Anthony Quinn. Paramount Studios could have produced this plot, typical of the studio, where we could have found for instance John Payne and Rhonda Fleming. But this one is perfect for gem diggers and interested in those fifties adventures movies, so full of charm, no matter the story and implausibilities.

Two deep-sea salvage divers, Brad Carlton and Tony Bartlett, arrive in Jamaica for a job. They are contracted to recover gold from a cargo ship that has just gone down with all it's hands. They search the co-ordinates they have been given but find nothing. Taking time off from the job, Brad begins to fall for the captain of the ship they contracted and dreams of a quieter life, while Tony is approached by the (supposedly dead) captain of the sunken ship with the real co-ordinates and an offer of a cut of the gold if he salvages it without telling the ship's owners.

The exotic location, the beat of voodoo drums, beautiful women, comradeship, sinister villains, what else could this be but a B-movie! Even the gaudy colours from the very start reveal this to be what it is. The plot is pure B but is still reasonably enjoyable. It is strongest at the start where Brad and Tony are together, whereas for the middle section they follow separate stories and the film sags a little bit. The ending is OK but seems to lack real excitement or tension. The central relationship between the two men is interesting when it is tested and I wish that the film had explored this more – as it is, it appears to break and be mended in a matter of minutes without much detail.

The direction is on a par with the quality of the film. The underwater scenes are quite flat and are clearly as near to being in a real sea as I am right now. The limitations of whatever soundstage or tank they filmed them in means that the scenes all occur in small areas, which again takes the edge off a little too much. The setting of the film calls for an exotic feel but the majority of the cast are American (white) actors. Even in a scene where voodoo dancers dance round a fire it is clear that the skin of those involved is very pale, this is maybe to be expected from the period and in shows in the fact that the non-white support cast are credited with names like `half-caste woman'. It makes no difference to the quality but does make it feel a little fake.

The main drawing point for the film is the strength of the two leads, although this is diminished by their separation in the middle section. Quinn is larger than life and a fiery character, he hogs the attention and the only weakness is that he fails to bring out the complexity that he suggests in his character when it is needed (the final third). Ryan is a talented actor and underplays next to Quinn. His presence alone kept me watching although it is undeniable that this is below the quality of his most memorable work. The support cast are OK and fit the B movie billing much better. So in place of characters we get `feisty girl' `bloated villain' `pathetic crooked businessman' etc. They all do OK and never forget their station.

Overall this is a watchable B movie that has all the little touches that make it such. The plot could have been used a lot more effectively in regards the friendship of the two divers but it is watchable nonetheless – mainly due to good performances by both Quinn and Ryan.

City Beneath the Sea came on BBC2 one Saturday afternoon some years ago and I was pleased I taped it. This has never been released on video so I was glad I kept this TV copy.

Two divers come to Jamaca to recover some gold on a sunken ship off the coast. One evening, they visit a club and meet two girls and both subsequently fall in love with them. Rivalry then breaks out between the two men over who will keep the gold when retrieved. The ship sunk near the ruins of an underwater city (not Atlantis) and the locals are against the men recovering the gold because the city is one of their tabu's. Not surprisingly, danger looms when the city collapses as a result of an undersea earthquake, trapping one of the divers. He is rescued by his mate and neither of them get the gold in the end.

Despite being a bow budget movie, the underwater scenes in City Beneath the Sea are not that bad.

The cast includes Robert Ryan and Anthony Quinn as the divers and Mala Powers and Susan Ball as the love interests. This also stars George Mathews and Woody Strode.

Watching this movie is a good way to spend just under 90 minutes one afternoon or evening. Very enjoyable.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5.