20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (I) (TV 1997)Director:Michael Anderson |
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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (I) (TV 1997)Director:Michael Anderson |
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| Credited cast: | |||
| Richard Crenna | ... | ||
| Ben Cross | ... | ||
| Julie Cox | ... |
Sophie
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| Paul Gross | ... |
Ned
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Michael Jayston | ... |
Admiral John E. Sellings
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Jeff Harding | ... | |
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David Henry | ... |
Scotia captain
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James Vaughan | ... |
Father
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Susannah Fellows | ... |
Mother
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Joshua Brody | ... |
Child
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| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
| Jess Liaudin | ... |
A seaman
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Professor Arronax (Richard Crenna) is a marine biology expert in the middle of the 19th century. His daughter, Sophie (Julie Cox) is vastly educated in sea life, too, but in this century, there are not many openings for female professors. One day, the United States government approaches the prof, for there is trouble abrew in the world's oceans. A strange creature is stalking the waters and sinking ships. Could the learned man get on board a naval vessel and help investigate? Naturally, Sophie is NOT invited but she disguises herself as a male assistant named Charlie by cutting her hair and dressing for the part. Once in the open waters, the creature is spotted and a skirmish unfolds, one that leaves Arronax, Sophie and a harpoonist, Ned (Paul Gross) floating dangerously on the surface. All of sudden, help arrives. A new type of boat, a submarine named Nautilus, rises up and saves the trio. Captained by an officer named Nemo (Ben Cross), it is a one of a kind vehicle causing the three new guests to ooh and aah. What dazzling views of the sea creatures and what a smooth ride! Nemo himself is a puzzle, for he is obviously a genius, having built the craft, but he is also arrogant and dictatorial. It isn't long before he discovers Sophie's true identity and the Captain falls hard for the lovely miss. But, since she may have her eyes on Ned, will this be another love triangle, down in the depths? Also, what about the mysterious creature that is still lurking in the waters? The Nautilus seems unsinkable but, is it? We shall see! This new version of the Verne classic is intriguing and entertaining. How brilliant to have a woman worked into the plot, for it is a nice change of pace. Crenna, Cox, Cross, Gross and all of the other cast members do mighty fine work. Then, too, the underwater scenery and the design of the Nautilus are absolutely wonderful. Costumes, photography, adapted script and direction all work together nicely, also. Yes, purists may object, but, in this viewer's mind, any new version of the story which sends folks to the library or bookstores to seek out Verne's amazing body of work is well worth a little tweaking.