Australian swimming sensation Annette Kellerman is remembered today thanks to the biopic Million Dollar Mermaid starring Esther Williams. Once thought a lost film, Venus of the South Seas was recently restored by the Library of Congress. This film has historical significance for the use of primza color in some underwater scenes and generous use of tinting and toning throughout and the new print was stunning. However, the melodramatic plot was tedious, the direction (by Kellerman's husband James R. Sullivan) was clunky and as an actress, Kellerman was a great swimmer. I was glad to see it, but once was enough. Viewed at Cinesation in Massillon Ohio in October 2004.
Review of Venus of the South Seas
