The Incredible Mr. Limpet Reviews

• The INCREDIBALLY SUPERB Mr. Limpet!

  
  By A240QB45BSMDAN on 2002-09-14
  Highly entertaining! Don Knotts gives his best performance in this picture. Kind of funny with the mix of animation and live action in a non-Disney film. With the animation, the singers, it's so lovely. I enjoy every second of this film. Too the people who highly dislike this movie, you're missing out on it. You don't have to be a child to enjoy it. "The Incredible Mr. Limpet" is the finest non-Disney animation/live action film.
  Too bad this was one of the last films to be made before the Warner Animation Department in Burbank shut down.
  
  

• Incredible Mr. Limpet

  
  By A2L1I917YFIANQ on 2001-11-08
  Funny, entertaining, great character actors. Don Knotts is, as usual, witty, adorable, and debonaire. Carol Cook is perfect for the part of his wife....she is superb! She was also great in "Palm Springs Weekend". This story is similar, I think, to "Splash" and "Mr. Peabody's Mermaid" in a sense. A man wishing he was a fish (or merman), or falls in love with a fish (or mermaid). Terrific clean humor of the 60's. Too bad this video is so hard to find!! Disney should reissue it as the classic along with the new Jim Carrey one so everyone can have both of them. I'm sure I would favor the Knotts one over Carrey, even though I love Jim's work.
  
  

• KNOTTS WITHSTANDING

  
  By A3LZGLA88K0LA0 on 2006-02-26
  After I watched this movie last night, I found out that Don Knotts had passed away. Kind of a creepy feeling! Anyway, Knotts who won five Emmys for his role as Barney Fife on THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW was certainly one of our most endearing clowns. With his trademark voice and bug-eyed delivery, Knotts is one of the true legends of our time, and in LIMPET, he shows us why. Although he has more screen time as the voice of the fishy Limpet, Knotts manages to create a loveable character. The plot's been rehashed in many other reviews, so I'll stick to what makes this animated/live action film such a pleasure. With the cartoon stylings of the early sixties, the movie gives us a dreamy undersea world populated with such creatures as Crusty the Crab and the lovely Ladyfish. On the human front, we're blessed with character actors Jack Weston, Larry Keating, and Andrew Duggan. And the delightfully underrated Carole Cook, whose last scene with Henry the fish is unexpectedly poignant and touching.
  A delightful film for the whole family to enjoy and to remember the delightful Don Knotts!
  
  

• "Das Limpet"

  
  By AGKPTMTR3UX1R on 2007-01-12
  THE INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET (1964) is one of the most underrated films of all time. Coming in at approximately #64 on my own personal Top 100, MR. LIMPET is a blend of live action and colorful animation, an impossible fantasy film which somehow manages to entice even the most sourpussed of viewers. Although it starts out a bit slowly, MR. LIMPET is irresistible, a pure entertainment experience.
  
  The fishlike Don Knotts is perfectly cast as Henry Limpet, a nebbishy bookkeeper from Brooklyn, circa 1942. Walter Mitty-like, Henry dreams of being a war hero. His one other passion is his fish tank. When Henry is rejected from military service as a 4-F, he falls into a depression and escapes into unreality by wishing he was a fish.
  
  Walking on the Coney Island pier one day with his wife, Bessie, Henry takes a misstep and falls into the briny Atlantic. Lo, and behold!---he is instantly transformed into a (cartoon) fish (complete with pince-nez glasses). Although Henry is initially lonely, he soon makes the acquaintance of Crusty the Crab and the seductive but loving Ladyfish, and sets off with them to explore his new, aquatic, world.
  
  During one of his many misadventures, Henry discovers that he is the possessor of a powerful vocal "thrum" which can be used as an early warning system. Thinking quickly, he finds the ship his friend George Stickel is assigned to, and convinces Stickel (and the U.S. Navy) that he can act as a sort of secret escort for convoys and naval ships crossing the U-boat strewn Atlantic.
  
  With Henry by their side, the Navy is able to turn the course of the Battle of the Atlantic, discovering and destroying enemy submarines and warships by the score. Although the Nazis try to stop Mr. Limpet, he is able to turn their weapons against them.
  
  His wartime actions earn him high rank and many honors, and Henry Limpet, having become the fish he'd always dreamed of being becomes the hero he'd always dreamed of being, too.
  
  A charming (and oddly gentle) war film, THE INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET is a nearly forgotten gem, a true popcorn-and-soda family film classic that celebrates the hero in Everyman.
  
  

• A great movie

  
  By A1CYPP2BUDGO7W on 2003-11-21
  I hadn't seen this movie for years. One evening a couple of months ago my 6 year old daughter walked into my office and said "this movie is cracking me up!" Turns out my wife had rented it for her. My daughter wanted to know if we could buy it so we logged onto Amazon and made the purchase. I watched it with her a few days ago and fell in love with it all over again. It's a great movie!
  
  
• Don Knotts� Citizen Kane
  By A1ZM9WFFDPYUEN on 2002-10-21
  Although this film may be "Stupid" to today's teens - that it doesn't have the emotional resonance of 'Monsters, Inc' nor the Shakespearean scope of 'Lion King', it is still Don Knott's 'CITIZEN KANE'.

  The '64 movie might seem a bit creaky by today's standards; so much celluloid has passed under the bridge since then, but there's still something downright charming about the milquetoast bookkeeper who turns into a fish after falling off a Coney Island pier, then winds up becoming the Navy's secret weapon in the fight against German U-boats (which, if the movie is to be believed, were cruising the waters just off Long Island in 1941).

  It's all a matter of perspective to compare. The movie seems so dated, so carefully cute. Still, there is much to love (or at least fondly admire) in these brisk 102 minutes. On this DVD, the colors are as bright as a load of laundry just run through a cycle of All-Tempa-Cheer. Even the live-action sequences in Henry's apartment at the Coney Island wharf on board the Navy ships have the vibrancy of a well-inked cartoon. The Incredible Mr. Limpet at times resembles a tankful of exotic tropical fish. The seams between animation and live-action aren't always perfect; it's less clunky than the Gene Kelly/Jerry Mouse dance duet in 'Anchors Aweigh' nineteen years earlier, and a far cry from Roger Rabbit's mind-boggling effects twenty-four years later, but the combination is believable enough for any kid's imagination circa 1969.

  If Limpet IS Knott's Kane, where does that leave films like The 'Apple Dumpling Gang' or 'The Shakiest Gun in the West'?

  -Of course it's all a matter of taste and discretion, but I'd say those are his Magnificent Ambersons and Touch of Evil.
  
  

• Funny and family-friendly
  By A1CDZM5YMB61PD on 2007-11-09
  Henry Limpet (played by Don Knotts) has always loved fish and the sea, but when he finally wishes that he could be a fish, he takes one step too far. Magically turned into a fish, Limpet has little time to learn about his new environment before he learns that Pearl Harbor was attacked, and that he is in a position to provide unique assistance to his county. But, the Nazis have a plan for dealing with the strange secret weapon Limpet. Hats off to Henry Limpet, the hero of the day!
  
  This is a funny and family-friendly movie. OK, it's a little unbelievable...OK, a LOT unbelievable, but it is just so much fun to watch! I loved this movie as a kid, and am glad that I have been able to buy it, and share it with my children, who also enjoyed it. We all highly recommend this movie to you!
  
  
• Great Movie for Kids & kids at heart!
  By on 2002-07-12
  This movie is not intended for anything but FUN! It is old-timey, and simple and straight (no cuss words, no violence, etc.) and is one of those great movies for kids. It has a cute story plot to it. If you like Don Knotts, give this a try.
  
  
• the incredible Mr limpet
  By A23K0YD7L1CBU7 on 2003-09-06
  Anyone who loves Don Knotts has to have this in there collection. I bought it as a gift and he loves it.
  
  
• Good, but not great
  By A158DKWIEU6ZPG on 2004-11-15
  This is a very good movie. It's funny, and very original, a great take on wartime issues.
  
  However, the only downside is that Don Knotts hardly appears in the film. Of course we have him lending his voice to Mr. Limpet as the animated fish, but we hardly get to SEE him.
  
  I think most people will agree with me that not actually SEEING Don Knotts really hurts this film. Much like Brad Pitt or Orlando Bloom, Don Knotts is an actor more known for his striking good looks than his actual acting ability. I'll never forget his sensual performance in "The Apple Dumpling Gang", or his raw, animal magnatism in "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken."
  
  So if you're a fan of Mr. Knotts' work, stick to films where you can see his best asset, his amazing body.
  
  
• SOMETHING FISHY IN FLATBUSH?
  By AA3EC3LKOBD80 on 2005-06-30
  "McHale's Navy" meets "SpongeBob" with "Action in the North Atlantic"? Well, that's one way to define "The Incredible Mr. Limpet", one of the oddest family fantasy movies ever. An early attempt at a live-action/animation mix, it launched Don Knotts' post-"Andy Griffith" career as the classic "Don Knotts" character: a geeky, milquetoast guy who stumbles into a heroic turn in spite of himself. Henry Limpet, of course, is two characters in one: a nerdy Brooklyn accountant who loves tropical fish, and- well- a nerdy, bespectacled cartoon fish!
  With a WWII setting, he's an obvious 4-F as a human, but becomes an underwater guide for a Navy fleet as a fish. Oh, yeah- did I mention it's also (kinda sorta) a musical?
  Though released in 1964, "Limpet" sounds and feels like 1954- or is it 1944? It's as quaint as a movie can get: old New York costumes and settings, hokey humor, bumbling Navy brass and a super-patriotic musical choir. The animation, the late-model Warner Bros. kind, is a little bland by "Looney Tunes" standards, even with a few legendary artists (but no Jones or Friz) involved. And the non-Knotts cast is a little bit stiff on the whole, save old-timers Andrew Duggan and Larry Keating as the stuffy admirals.
  Yet, somehow, "Limpet" works better than described, especially if, like me, you're still fond of old-school family comedy Americana. The story's a cut above most period Disney fare, both animated and live. As a fish, Limpet's engaged in a kind of proto-"SpongeBob" journey with his purple "Lady Fish" friend and a great little creation called- really!- "Crusty Crab"! A kind of crustacean Yosemite Sam (voiced by great radio/
  cartoon veteran Paul Frees), he actually looks and sounds a bit like Mr. Krabs- nearly 40 years before "SpongeBob"!
  And how does our sea-creature hero, who still looks and sounds exactly like Knotts, interact with humans? Well, after his old Navy buddy George Stickel (the rotund veteran Jack Weston), who keeps getting called "Pickel" by the officers, almost drops dead after he discovers that his old friend Henry didn't drown at Coney Island after all, Henry-the-fish serves as an undersea swimming spy on German U-boats and, after a couple of underwater mishaps, helps the U.S. Navy invade Normandy, all to a booming, George M. Cohan-style patriotic chorus! Oh, yes- director Arthur Lubin was no stranger to talking creatures, since he helmed most of "Mister Ed" and "Francis the Talking Mule".
  They sure don't make 'em like this any more, and "The Incredible Mr. Limpet", tacky and corny as it is, just might be a surreal comedy in disguise. Certainly it's one of the few pre-
  "Roger Rabbit" part-animated movies that works, awkward transitions and all (no computer tricks here, folks). It also started a new genre, the Don Knotts nerd-com, as perfected in deathless fare like "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" and "The Reluctant Astronaut". It's even a light-hearted salute to the kind of old-fashioned Hollywood patriotism that would get shot to Kingdom Come as the '60s moved on. Why, it probably stuck somewhere in Steve Hillenberg's mind when he grew up to draw the SpongeBob crew.
  The extras are modest (a "fishtank" game), but the little promo film, which shows the "Limpet" premiere at Weeki Wachee, an old-Florida tourist trap (it's near Clearwater) that involved mermaid shows and glass-bottom boats, is a priceless little slice of old-Hollywood ballyhoo, complete with a few words from Arthur Godfrey- who sincerely thought he'd have a hit with a rendition of "I Wish I Were a Fish", the ditty Knotts sings before he hits the drink. Beatlemania saved us from it.
  To enjoy "Mr. Limpet", it probably helps if you still love "My Three Sons", Lawrence Welk and other squeaky-clean '60s stuff. But when the Crusty Crab keeps calling Limpet "Flatbush" and the bumbling admirals give the fish an officers' commission, you're going to laugh. "The Incredible Mr. Limpet"- it may be quaint, but it's really an ocean of fun!
  
  
• Great Movie for the Kids
  By A2VZEZE9RIM533 on 2005-09-29
  I remembered this movie from my youth. It typically played on Saturday Afternoons. I thought that it would be a great movie for my kids to watch and I was right.
  
  For its time the movies animation and special effects are great. My children 14, 11 and 4 all loved the movie. My 4 yearold found a new favorite. She watched it at least 6 times over the first weekend.
  
  It is a great movie that even adults can enjoy and watch along with their children. It is very difficult these days to find a show that the entire family can watch together and this is one of them.
  
  I think I will try The Ghost and Mr. Chicken next, another classic.
  
  
• WHO COULD FORGET THAT SOUND! CLASSIC KNOTTS!
  By A1ER6IYOMM8VCT on 2007-07-25
  A Don Knotts Classic! A mix of live action and cartoon,this film brings back memories! The sound effect used in the movie to represent Mr. Limpet's unique vocal ability is unforgettable. Mr. Limpet saves the day in this mild war action comedy. The DVD transfer looks very good.
  
  
• Live action with animation.
  By on 2002-12-06
  Certainly a Don Knotts classic, but where lurks "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken"? It has been a while since I have seen either film, but Mr. Chicken knocks the socks off of Mr. Limpet! And you don't have to watch seemingly endless stock footage of boats cruising through the Pacific. Just my opinions though.
  
  
• What are you talking about?
  By A2ZOTZTQJ4AJX7 on 2003-10-28
  I just read many of these reviews and have to completely disagree!

  Sure Don Knotts acting is fine but many of the other actresses are just too over the top. The story line is terrible. It's too serious to even just be able to laugh at it.

  DON"T WASTE the 2 hours of your time!

  And I would not recommend it for kids either. It is a PG movie. Young children would not get it and be bored. And older kids would pick up on the mixed marriage message. (Yes you should honor your marriage vows but if you grow apart just give up on the marriage.)
  
  

• The Incredible Mr. Limpet
  By A2IZBCJCVGJQTE on 2006-02-01
  Great Movie!! This is great for kid's and Adult's!
  Would make a great movie for family night .
  
  
• The Incredible Mr. Limpet
  By A3B8RIAAEBMYWD on 2006-11-10
  Don Knots is always funny. I like how they made his dream come true when he fell in the ocean. Really like how they got such a small man or fish to make such a big noise. One of his best.
  
  
• Just like I remembered
  By A1GVA7LAKZF81H on 2006-11-10
  after all these years Of remembering this movie, I not only get to see it again but i also get to show my children. they (ages 3 and 5) were board in the begining but when he falls in the water turns into a fish and turns cartoon, they loved it
  
  
• For kids of all ages
  By A3JHSIWV7KDDE9 on 2007-01-17
  Don Knotts is a classic. As hokey as this movie may be, it is great for the whole family. It brought back some of my youth, (not a lot, but some).The use of the live action and animation was well done. The DVD quality was excellent.
  
  
• the brother bear of the 1960s
  By on 2007-03-16
  This is one of my favorite classic Warner brother's films from the days before I was born. A word of warming even though this movie got a G rating I do not recommend it for any under the age of 7 due to occasional mild scary images and scenes and a lot of mild military war violence that occurs in the middle and end of the movie. As a result of the things listed in bold that might not appropriate or may be questionable I recommend that you wait until you are between 7 to 21 year of age or older before watching this. This movie takes place in the 1940s during World War II. It tells the story of Henry Limpet played by Don Knots a man who is fascinated with fish. Henry lives with his wife who doesn't understand him and has and extreme dislike of fish for reasons never clearly explained. After Henry is rejected by the navy due to his Stigmatism, Henry and his wife go for a picnic on Cooney Island. Henry makes a wish to be a fish. A few seconds after words Henry falls of the pear and sinks down to the bottom. Where he through means never clearly explained is instantly transformed from a 120 pound man into a three pound fish with and amazing rare ability. Soon after Henry finds out about his thumper a loud high picked shockwave he sends out of his mouth that can repeal a 300 pound shark and collapsed a cave imprisoning a hungry Octopus. Henry is recruited in the navy by American solider. As the Americans top secret weapon to combat the Nazi U-Boats. Will Henry remain a fish for ever lead the Americans to a marvelous victory over the Germans find out in the thrilling conclusion?
  
  
• Greatest Fish Movie of All Time!
  By AV84DDOQWBFL7 on 2004-11-09
  All you have to know is....
  
  "DAS LIMPET!" "O-O-O-O-O-G-G-G-A-A-A-A-H-H-H-H"!!!
  
  This film is a MUST HAVE for any baby boomer.
  
  
• A Very Cute Classic, Full Of Fun
  By A1XYADEC7TLTSP on 2005-02-03
  My parents both loved this movie as children, and purchased it for me for Christmas when I was about 12. I had never heard of it at the time, and admittedly it took a little while to grow on me. Most kids movies featuring animation that I had experienced at that point were full of bright colors and epic songs. The Incredible Mr. Limpet doesn't have either of those things, and is forced to rely on plot instead. I didn't quite know what to make of it at the time, but over the years as I've gotten older and watched it more often, it has won a special little place in my heart.
  
  I think we all can relate to Henry Limpet from time to time. Who hasn't felt as though they had no real role or purpose in life, and longed to be some other species that we felt had an easier existence? In this film we get to see what happens when that wish is granted, and it's a charming little adventure. The characters are loveable, and it's impossible not to share Limpet's joy as he gets to fullfill his dreams of being a navy-war hero
  
  
• One of the best Family films around. Excellent DVD Extras!!!
  By A2HBRRM3SAMWLM on 2006-03-03
  You would almost think Walt Disney made this movie. Don Knotts is wonderful in this . They did a good job with the extras in this dvd including the Under Water Movie Premiere in Florida with all the cast. Don Knotts talks about the making of the film . My kids loved it. For us it's just as good as Finding Nemo.
  
  
• Swim into some fun...
  By A1ZYM9AZM0Z0QD on 2006-03-09
  An exceptionally good DVD released by WB. As one of the earliest films that combined animation and true-to-life characters, it stands out in the crowd. True entertainment that is fun for the whole family. Family, honor and love are all featured in this fun- time film
  
  
• Gotta love it!
  By A32Y13YK7AGKVX on 2006-11-16
  These old movies are so cheesy and that is why I love them so much. Does it get any better than Don Knotts portraying a fish? It really does make you think what would happen if wishes would come true, so watch what you do wish for. Also with a really good supporting cast, this movie is truly a classic and one for any collection. Thank-you.
  
  
• Incredible movie
  By A382NILYUGP441 on 2007-01-11
  The Incredible Mr. Limpet is a classic. My grandchildren loved it, just as I and my children did years ago. It is really nice to watch a movie and not have to worry about language or suggestive remarks by the characters.
  
  
• Good Family Fun
  By A2N0I846XNPAC8 on 2007-02-16
  What a great movie! It brings back lots of memories. Good family fun with no off color jokes or violence. The animation is pretty great!
  
  
• Don Knotts at his best!
  By A3O7OE2YGLEQHJ on 2007-02-17
  This is a movie that I've seen many times since my youth and I never seem to grow tired of it. It holds up very well today and I feel that today's children would not be bored to tears by this film. This is a must have for Don Knotts and Animation fans alike.
  
  
• The Incredible Mr. Limpet
  By A2X6EQZZJHXC5L on 2007-04-10
  Oh this one is a must have for those who grew up watching this movie and those who are young and want something to chuckle over in delight. Yes, Henry is a misfit who actually gets his wish!! The animation is well done for it's time and this DVD is well authored. Everything is crisp and new, all over again!! A fun time for all!!
  
  
• Classic family movie!
  By A3HYXAXKHGYPTI on 2007-04-10
  You really cant go wrong with Don Knotts. He is hilarious! This movie is great for all ages. If you've never seen this one ... it is a must for your collection.
  
  

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