This is a most intriguing and entertaining film. While some flaws can certainly be pointed out, it still stands up as a fine feature film.
The story is certainly different in this version. This Nemo is a Boy Scout, helping those in need and interested in revenge only in the case of one personal enemy. As I recall from reading the book and seeing one of the color, sound versions (both about 30 years ago), Captain Nemo was a real sob, intent on extracting "revenge" on every ship he came across. (He was also about half the age of this Nemo.) Still, the twists make for an interesting story, as does the incorporation of "Mysterious Island," another Jules Verne masterpiece, into the story.
Of course the film is best remembered for the amazing early underwater film sequences. These are something to see especially considering the year. My only criticism of the film would be that Paton perhaps got a little carried away with showing his sequences of underwater sights. Of course, who could blame him? No one else had put anything remotely like this on screen in a feature film before. There is almost a quasi-documentary feel to the film, thanks to the underwater scenes and early SCUBA outfits.
Alan Holubar is outstanding as the aging (and the young) Captain Nemo, while the rest of the cast is solid. The only exception is Jane Gail's horrid overacting as the princess. This is strange, considering that she handled the "child of nature" role with some credibility and little if no overacting. Perhaps the female histrionics were expected in 1916. (At least Robert K. Klepper identifies Gail as playing both roles in "Silent Films, 1877-1996." IMDb does not identify the princess.)
In any case, whatever flaws one may find are dwarfed by the realization that it was so advanced for its time. It's still entertaining, as well, and a great addition to any collection.
The story is certainly different in this version. This Nemo is a Boy Scout, helping those in need and interested in revenge only in the case of one personal enemy. As I recall from reading the book and seeing one of the color, sound versions (both about 30 years ago), Captain Nemo was a real sob, intent on extracting "revenge" on every ship he came across. (He was also about half the age of this Nemo.) Still, the twists make for an interesting story, as does the incorporation of "Mysterious Island," another Jules Verne masterpiece, into the story.
Of course the film is best remembered for the amazing early underwater film sequences. These are something to see especially considering the year. My only criticism of the film would be that Paton perhaps got a little carried away with showing his sequences of underwater sights. Of course, who could blame him? No one else had put anything remotely like this on screen in a feature film before. There is almost a quasi-documentary feel to the film, thanks to the underwater scenes and early SCUBA outfits.
Alan Holubar is outstanding as the aging (and the young) Captain Nemo, while the rest of the cast is solid. The only exception is Jane Gail's horrid overacting as the princess. This is strange, considering that she handled the "child of nature" role with some credibility and little if no overacting. Perhaps the female histrionics were expected in 1916. (At least Robert K. Klepper identifies Gail as playing both roles in "Silent Films, 1877-1996." IMDb does not identify the princess.)
In any case, whatever flaws one may find are dwarfed by the realization that it was so advanced for its time. It's still entertaining, as well, and a great addition to any collection.