Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961) (Movie Review)

   When it comes to Science Fiction Cinema, some of the most recognizable visuals are space ships, aliens, robots, or general adventures among the stars. However, the Sci-Fi genera actually has a wider range of subjects and settings. The ocean for example is just as wondrous and alien to us as outer space itself, and as such, it lends itself to a number of different Sci-Fi stories. For this whole month, I’ll be reviewing three distinct Sci-Fi films all set in the ocean, each from different decades, and each puts a different face on the genera then what one would commonly associate with Science Fiction. To kick things off, lets review an overlooked classic from 1961 titled “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea”. This is one of those films that’s a clear product of its decade, would never be made in such a fashion today, but it adds to the films delightfully cheesy appeal. The opening theme song especially sets to mood for a corny 1960’s production. Despite being dated, I find the film holds up overall, and dose more with its underwater premise then that simplistic title would suggest.  

   So, what’s the premise … maybe an exploration of uncharted plains at the bottom of the sea … or maybe a search for buried treasure … nope, nothing that basic. Our venture begins with the unveiling of a new nuclear submarine called “Seaview”, which is about to take it’s madden Voyage. The grand unveiling is cut-short on account of bad weather … like fire in the sky. Turns out a freak meteor shower has burnt-up in the earth’s atmosphere, and has created a giant, fiery belt, which is slowly killing all life on the planet. One Admiral Nelson, who’s commanding the sub makes a bold suggestion … take his new submarine to a certain point in the ocean, at a certain time, and fire their nuclear war heads at the belt. From their specific calculations, the blast will disperse the fiery belt out into space. Unfortunately, if he’s off by a hair, they could end up nuking the planet. Without approval from either the UN or the president, the admiral assembles a small team, steal the sub, get branded as enemies of the USA, and venture out into the ocean in their effort to save the world. Along their journey they face numerous obstacles, including giant squids, enemy subs, and a mysterious killer who’s stowed away on the sub. 

 

  The characters really aren’t great, but their played very well by the cast. Walter Pidgeon is fully committed to his role as Adm. Nelson, and he makes for a worthy lead. Barbara Eden, famous for her leading role in “I Dream of Jeannie” is also very dignified as a First Lt. on board the sub. The most notable actor of all is Peter Lorre as Comm. Lucius Emery. It’s just cool to see him in yet another Ocean themed Sci-Fi adventure, after he already stared in Disney’s “20’000 Leagues Under the Sea”. Again, strong characters aren’t the films strength, but there is at least some conflict that builds between the varying crew members. Some think the admiral is too caught up in his ambition, and is taking too great a risk, while others believe they should spend their final days with their loved ones as opposed to committing to his full hearty plan. They may not be the most thought-provoking arguments, but at least there’s something there. In truth, it’s not about layered characters or deep questions, it’s simply a straight forward adventure, with our hero’s facing numerous obstacles on their quest to save the world. 

   It’s admittedly kind of slow by today’s standards, but great excitement for the time, and I love how the situation keeps building along the way. I also like that the “Seaview” submarine has all the personality traits of a spaceship, especially during the traveling shots against the red-lit sea, as it makes me think of the starship Enterprise traveling through space.  

They need to navigate through a mine field, there’s also melting ice burgs from the surface crashing down on the sub, the heat gets worse up-above, an enemy sub fires missiles at them, the assassin sets a fire in the Admirals Quarters, and what would an underwater adventure be without a battle with a giant squid ... actually, two giant squid attacks for the price of one. The first squid attacks the divers, and is admittedly a cheap looking puppet when compared to the squid from “20’000 Leagues Under the Sea”. The second squid is a real octopus that attaches itself to a model sub, and this actually makes for an exciting action sequence in the film. There’s also a shark tank on board … because of course the sub would need a shark tank. Besides, it would make things more exciting when the sub gets rocky, and people accidentally falling into the shark tank. The mysterious killer is revealed to be a Religious fanatic who believes the admiral is interfering with Gods will ... to which the admiral responds with … “If God wants us to die, why would he give us a fighting chance”?  

   In the end, “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” is a dated spectacle, but a lot of fun if you go in with the right mind-set. I personally find it a delightful product of its time … with its silly Sci-Fi plot, goofy effects, and campy charm. It’s biggest accomplishment was launching the TV series "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea", which was also created by Irwin Allen, who not only directed the movie, but also created some of the biggest Sci-Fi shows of the 60's, including "Lost in Space", "The Time Tunnel", and "Land of the Giants". 

"Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" was his longest running TV series, and had more of an impact on pop-culture then the movie was. While the movie itself is not one of the great classics of the genera, it's still a good one, and worth checking out if you’re a fan of such films. Truthfully, back when I was just a kid, I always preferred this movie over Disney’s “20’000 Leagues Under the Sea”, as it just felt more exciting, and had higher stakes. Sure, it’s a completely illogical premise, and Disney’s under water venture is certainly the smarter film by comparison, but it just doesn’t have the same appeal for me. So, if you’re a Sci-Fi fan in need of a break from flying saucers and outer space, this is a terrific little underwater themed venture to check out.

Thanks for reading my review of the 1961 Sci-Fi “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” … and continue to enjoy the movies you love!