Thin Romeo and Juliet, only this time it's sponge fisherman off the coast of Florida. The big Cinemascope production is static with wooden acting and a spongy script. A vehicle for young Twentieth Century Fox stars Robert Wagner and Terry Moore, the two play the youngest children of families vying for the best sponge diving waters. There's a big Bernard Hermann score behind the mile action that's enjoyable, but it' dominates the action or lack of action actually.
Recorded in early stereo, the sound leaves a lot to be desired. While the widescreen images are sharp in most scene, the color seems slightly faded and unrealistic.
Family pride amongst the sponges.©Lumivision
The transfer preserves the old Cinemascope aspect ratio of 2.55:1 perfectly. Not everyone's familiar with that extra width, but that's the way it was at the beginning. The extra width exacerbates the effects of letterboxing and detail suffers consequently. So don't be surprised at some scenes that seem unfocused. There is just less detail available. Color is slightly washed out but acceptable.