Fantastic!

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

I believe I saw this film the first time on Frazier Thomas' Family Classics, (WGN Chicago local show broadcast on Sundays). Even though I haven't seen it since then, I've remembered until today. The idea of the weakling coming back and being successful really hit home and I felt very happy for him.I see other reviewers commenting that watching it now, just doesn't do anything for them. Well, I'm going to give it a try and see if I can get my partner to watch it with me and see what she thinks. She doesn't even know who Don Knots is, so this will be a clean test of the film's ability to appeal to an adult not clouded by rosy memories from Andy Griffith and Barney Fief.

Hasn't practically everybody at least once in their life fantasized about what it would be like to be a member of another species? Whether it is the animal who represents the year on the Chinese calendar you were born or your favorite animal at the zoo or even one you've only seen on Wild Kingdom, God's non-human creatures fascinate us. For milquetoast Don Knotts, his staid job and marriage to a nagging wife have made him a regular at the Brooklyn Aquarium, staring for hours at the fish and longing for their freedom. So all it takes is a brief song ("I Wish I Were a Fish") and a day at Coney Island for him to get his wish, and when he does, he finds out that he can be useful to the World War II navy by notifying them to the presence of German U-Boats and Submarines, aiding the allies in winning the war.Part animation, part live action, this is non-Disney fantasy at its best, and a pre-cursor to "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" and "The Little Mermaid" with its underwater fantasy sequences. Who better to play this part than Barney Fife himself, Don Knotts? The glamorous Carole Cooke, then a popular T.V. comedienne, is his loving wife who tries a bit too hard to influence him, ultimately losing him, but finding comfort in the arms of his best friend, Naval officer Jack Weston whom Knotts locates aboard a naval ship in order to offer his services.Made for both children and adults alike, the kids will find amusement at the animation sequences, particularly Knotts' crabby crab pal (complete with Wilford Brimley whiskers) and the "Battleship" theme. Andrew Duggan and Larry Keating play the perplexed Naval officers who must question their own sanity over the surprising ally they find swimming around them, while Elizabeth MacRae is an enchanting voice as Knotts' underwater paramour, "Ladyfish". Paul Frees is appropriately "crabby" as Crusty the Crab. I can't imagine how this could retain its charm in a remake. Forget the copycat, and stick with the original.

What a joy to view this charming fable again! Don Knotts is wonderful as geeky Henry Limpett. Life is tough for this bespectacled gentleman. He's too near-sighted to join the Navy, like other men in wartime New York City, and he seems friendless but for the fish in his aquarium. Making matters worse, oafish pretty-boy George has the hots for Henry's bimbo of a wife, played with winsome vulgarity by Carole Cook.One day, Henry unexpectedly gets his secret wish -- to chuck landlubber life altogether and turn into a tuna, and take up residence in the briny deep. And it's under water that he's finally able to join the Navy, as a torpedo interceptor, and finally land true love -- with a lady fish who worships his every fin. Oh, bubbly bliss!This movie came out when I was 8, and I was thrilled to be able to tape it and watch it with my 11-year-old, whose father also maintains a fish tank. Given that it was "old," my son was at first reluctant. But he quickly submerged himself in the movie's charms.This film's happy ending sloshes with joy. Just another reminder that impossible dreams can come true if one remains open to life's lucky accidents.

The Incredible Mr. Limpet has always been a long time favorite movie of mine, the first movie I remember as a child.From start to finish, the message of this movie, the music, and the superb comedy of Don Knotts makes this such a treat to watch.The innovative use of live action and animation still holds up great today.I just found out that Don Knotts passed away last night. I will forever miss him, and always remember him for his wonderful portrayal as Henry Limpet.Go get this movie on DVD, you will not be disappointed.Rest in Peace Don Knotts.Larry Lee Moniz