Swimming heiress Annette Kellerman (as Shona Royal) is the "most skillful diver in the South Seas. As "swift and sure as any creature of the water," Ms. Kellerman is the captain of her father's pearling fleet. She lives with daddy Roland Purdie (as John Royal) and numerous native servants, on their island paradise "Manea". The Royals deal with snaky supply ship captain Norman French (as John Drake), who encourages their natives to steal, by buying their booty. Later, Mr. French will cause trouble on ship. Before all that, Kellerman falls in love with passing pleasure cruiser Robert Ramsey (as Robert Quane Jr.). Mr. Ramsey is so smitten with Kellerman, he may give up his playboy lifestyle!
Kellerman's best film was the lost epic "A Daughter of the Gods", a spectacular hit upon release and reissued into the 1920s; but, unfortunately, no copy has surfaced for present inspection. Kellerman still looks incredibly fit, but "Venus of the South Seas" is not really a good representation. She was, likely, not an "actress" as much as a celebrity, causing a sensation by appearing in a shocking (at the time) "one piece" bathing suit; and, later, appearing nude on film. No nudity in "Venus", which is mildly notable for some colorful underwater footage.
**** Venus of the South Seas (2/24) James R. Sullivan ~ Annette Kellerman, Robert Ramsey, Norman French
Kellerman's best film was the lost epic "A Daughter of the Gods", a spectacular hit upon release and reissued into the 1920s; but, unfortunately, no copy has surfaced for present inspection. Kellerman still looks incredibly fit, but "Venus of the South Seas" is not really a good representation. She was, likely, not an "actress" as much as a celebrity, causing a sensation by appearing in a shocking (at the time) "one piece" bathing suit; and, later, appearing nude on film. No nudity in "Venus", which is mildly notable for some colorful underwater footage.
**** Venus of the South Seas (2/24) James R. Sullivan ~ Annette Kellerman, Robert Ramsey, Norman French