Mar. 28, 1964 - Opening today is “The Incredible Mr. Limpet,” a live-action/animated comedy film produced by Warner Brothers, directed by Arthur Lubin, and based on the 1942 novel “Mr. Limpet,” by Theodore Pratt.
The story deals with a man named Henry Limpet (Don Knotts, pictured with Jack Weston) who turns into a talking fish and helps the U.S. Navy located and destroy Nazi submarines. It is Mr. Knotts’ first lead role in a film.
The live action was directed by Lubin, while the animation was directed by Bill Tytla, Robert McKimson, Hawley Pratt, and Gerry Chiniquy at Warner Brothers Cartoons. The film was the final project for Warner Brothers Cartoons prior to its closure in May 1963.
Music includes songs by Sammy Fain, in collaboration with Harold Adamson, including “I Wish I Were a Fish,” “Be Careful How You Wish,” and “Deep Rapture.”
The Coney Island pier, naval scenes, and other aquatic scenes were filmed on Stage 16 at Warner Brothers Studio. The Stage 16 tank holds 2½ million gallons of water.
