Throwback Tuesday: “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” (1964)

99 Minutes

Directed By: Arthur Lubin
Written By: Jameson Brewer and John C. Rose
Staring: Don Knotts, Carole Cook, Jack Weston, and Andrew Duggan

Henry, am I the widow of a man or the wife of a fish? -Bessie Limpet

Milquetoast Henry Limpet experiences his fondest wish and is transformed into a fish. As a talking fish..

Review

In the magical world of Don Knotts movies anything is possible, and everything is funny.  The Incredible Mr. Limpet is one of the most memorable of his films, and certainly one of the funniest.  The Incredible Mr. Limpet is my favorite Don Knotts movie and will have a special place in my childhood memories.  It appeals to all audiences, has stood the test of time, and contains one of comedies most beloved actors best performances, even though half of the film is spent doing voice-overs.

The story takes place before Pearl Harbor and World War II.  Henry Limpet is a bashful bookkeeper who fancies fish with a passion.  When the navy doesn’t accept him because of his poor eye sight he makes a wish and falls off a pier into the water transforming into a fish.  His wife and friends assume the worst when his body isn’t recovered and they pronounce him dead.  In the sea, Mr. Limpet discovers his “thrum” can be used as a weapon and begins to search for his friend George to try and help the navy once again.  This time the navy enlists him and the mild mannered Limpet is suddenly the protector of the United States from German U-Boat attacks.

This sweet animated character somehow has the same awkward features of Don Knotts including his glasses.  Animation in these circumstances can often result in failure, but between the great delivery of Knotts, and the fantastic animation that really captured his essence, the character delivered in Spades.  The film introduces more animated friends when Limpet falls in love with “Ladyfish”, a sweet female fish and befriends Krusty The Crab.  The brilliant combination of animation and live action is tremendous, really integrating the animated characters to the real ones.

This is a great family film that both children and adults can enjoy.  The Incredible Mr. Limpet teaches lessons, but without preaching.  It makes you laugh, and gives you hope.  It has the kind of movie magic old Disney used to offer, and the lasting quality that makes it an unforgettable classic.  Mr. Limpet is just Incredible.