Around the World Under the Sea (1966)

(On Cable TV, March 2020) If you ever wanted to see what a space-age underwater exploration movie would feel like, search no further than Around the World Under the Sea, which brings the can-do spirit of the American space program to the business of deep-sea exploration. Clearly a science-fictional thriller, it supposes a near-future world in which deadly waves require the installation of five warning sensors. This becomes an excuse for a didactic presentation of underwater attractions, with the scientists of the single submarine able to complete the work bickering among themselves to add a bit of drama—and there’s one single female character for exactly the expected reasons. Lloyd Bridges stars, probably on the strength of his turn in the earlier Sea Hunt TV show. (Both share the same producer.) Shot in colourful tones, the film is at its best during the underwater sequences. Combined with the rather charming mid-1960s fashion out of water, it all makes Around the World Under the Sea interesting enough—although still not that good.