MovieChat Forums > Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953) Discussion > Down and Dirty in CinemaScope

Down and Dirty in CinemaScope

posted 18 years ago by rsgre
7 replies | jump to latest

I have always had a fascination for this film, because of it's
extensive location footage, great music, and beautiful photography.
What amazes me every time I see it is the grittiness of the plot, and
the way it convincingly portrays self-employed fisherman living just on
the edge of danger and poverty. The constant rivalry and competition
between different races is also given a strong treatment. A good
example of a "Man's movie" that resonates well...

Regards,

RSGRE

[–] offramp_tavanipupu 18 years ago

I am not sure. I thought it was more like a woman's film. It didn't grab me, anyway. The narrator at the beginning tells us that sponge fishing is the most dangerous profession in the world. Really?

[–] rsgre 18 years ago

Thanks for your reply Offramp. Nice to get a "different take" on this film. I was lucky to get a copy of this at Wal-Mart for $1.00, in full CinemaScope, good print, and good sound! (Not sure if they are still available, at the register section at the front.) The grandeur overcomes the weakness in the plot, and makes for an overall satisfying film. That's "my take" anyway...

Best regards,

RSGRE

[–] Big G-2 18 years ago

I believe that narrator in the beginning was none other than Rock Hudson!

But yes, the strengths for BENEATH THE 12 MILE REEF, are it's locations, superb photography and Bernard Hermann's score. This was probably one of the first movies to feature underwater segments in color, (certainly in widescreen) and virtually on location. There could have been some tank scenes but I couldn’t identify them. I did meet Terry Moore once, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to bring up this movie, and ask her if her underwater scenes with Robert Wagner were on location. To me, they certainly looked like they were, but I really don't know.

As for the story, it's basically another rehash of Romeo and Juliet, or as some have observed a "Key West Side Story" but performed well. Robert Wagner comes out as quite likeable, as does Gilbert Roland. Terry Moore is her beautiful self as usual. Peter Graves, (pre MISSION IMPOSSIBLE) makes for a good villain, and then you have the always reliable Richard Boone.

[–] rsgre 18 years ago

Thanks for your comments BigG-2. Yes, that was Rock Hudson according to the site right here at IMDB! There had to be a few tank scenes (like the octopus), but they were so well done you couldn't tell. Looks like 20th Century-Fox had some of the best film tanks in the business (Hitchcock's "Lifeboat" was filmed there too). Just saw Terry Moore in one of the extra features of "The Aviator" (because she was once married to Howard Hughes). She still looks beautiful, but of course is 50+ years older.
Bernard Herrmann's score (the complete soundtrack), is available from either Intrada.com or FilmScoreMonthly.com, and its a wonder to listen to.
In one word: incredible!! What an inspired performance! Darryl Zanuck's famous memo said the same thing!
Regards,

RSGRE

[–] Solon3000 17 years ago

Hey rsgre

I haven't seen it yet. Was lookin at a dollar store, for dollar dvds. Got Beneath the 12 mile reef and The treasure of Jamiaca Reef (two movies on a disc).

I'll post my impressions of it here, after I watch it.

[–] vpilutis 14 years ago

Then why oh why is FOX CH showing a pan and scan print?
http://worldofvbphoto.blogspot.com/
http://vbphoto.biz/models.htm

[–] 14 years ago

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