Million Dollar Mermaid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Million Dollar Mermaid |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Mervyn LeRoy |
| Produced by | Arthur Hornblow Jr. |
| Written by | Everett Freeman |
| Starring | Esther Williams Victor Mature Walter Pidgeon |
| Music by | Alexander Courage (orchestrator) Adolph Deutsch (conductor & music score) |
| Cinematography | George J. Folsey |
| Editing by | John McSweeney, Jr. |
| Studio | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
| Distributed by | Loew's Inc. |
| Release date(s) | December 4, 1952 |
| Running time | 115 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $2,642,000 |
| Money made | $4,947,000 |
Million Dollar Mermaid (also known as The One Piece Bathing Suit in the UK) is a 1952 American biographical drama film. It tells the amazing true story of Annette Kellerman, a famous Australian swimming star. The movie was directed by Mervyn LeRoy and produced by Arthur Hornblow Jr.. The main stars are Esther Williams, Victor Mature, and Walter Pidgeon.
The film's cinematographer, George Folsey, was even nominated for an Oscar in 1953 for his work on the movie.
Contents
The Story of Annette Kellerman
From Sickness to Swimming Star
The film begins in the late 1800s. A young Australian girl named Annette Kellerman (Esther Williams) is very sick with polio. To help her get better, she starts swimming. Her father, Frederick (Walter Pidgeon), who teaches music, gets a job in England.
On the ship to England, Annette meets an American promoter named James Sullivan (Victor Mature). He travels with his friend Doc Cronnol (Jesse White) and a boxing kangaroo!
Becoming a Swimming Sensation
When her father's job doesn't work out, Jimmy suggests a big idea. He wants to promote Annette in a long swim to Greenwich. Annette bravely decides to swim even further, making it 26 miles! News of her amazing swim spreads quickly.
Jimmy then thinks they can become rich by going to New York. He wants Annette to perform in a special water ballet show at the Hippodrome. The manager, Alfred Harper (David Brian), doesn't offer them a job at first.
A New Kind of Swimsuit
Annette travels to Boston for another famous swim. Here, she gets into trouble for wearing a one-piece swimsuit. This was very daring and new for the time! After a misunderstanding, Annette and Jimmy go their separate ways.
Later, the Hippodrome manager, Alfred Harper, changes his mind. He makes Annette the main star of his New York show. After her father passes away, Annette goes to Montauk. She tries to stop Jimmy from joining a dangerous air race with a big prize.
Hollywood and a Happy Ending
As time goes on, Harper falls in love with Annette. She travels to Hollywood to make a movie. Jimmy and Doc show up again, this time promoting a famous dog named Rin Tin Tin for the movies.
During the filming of Annette's movie, a water tank breaks. This causes Annette a serious injury to her back. With her future uncertain, Alfred Harper sees how much Annette and Jimmy truly love each other. He steps aside so they can be together.
Meet the Cast
- Esther Williams as Annette Kellerman: The famous swimmer and star of the film.
- Victor Mature as James Sullivan: The promoter who helps Annette.
- Walter Pidgeon as Frederick Kellerman: Annette's supportive father.
- David Brian as Alfred Harper: The Hippodrome manager.
- Donna Corcoran as Annette Kellerman at age 10: The younger version of Annette.
- Jesse White as Doc Cronnol: Jimmy's friend.
- Maria Tallchief as Anna Pavlova: A famous dancer.
- Howard Freeman as Aldrich, Lecture Bureau
- Charles Watts as Policeman on Revere Beach
- Wilton Graff as Garvey the Producer
- Frank Ferguson as Boston Prosecutor
- James Bell as Boston Judge
- James Flavin as Train conductor
- Willis Bouchey as Movie director
- Gordon Richards as Casey
Making the Movie
Bringing Annette's Story to Life
In 1947, actress Esther Williams really wanted to make a movie about Annette Kellerman's life. She thought it would be a perfect role for her. Annette Kellerman herself wasn't happy with how one of her earlier films was remade. But when she met Esther Williams, she liked her and changed her mind.
Annette said she realized Esther truly wanted to tell her life story. She even thought Esther was "much too pretty" for the part, but she was happy with her. Esther Williams helped Annette meet with the movie studio, MGM, to pitch the idea. In 1951, MGM agreed to make the film, which was first called The One Piece Suit.
Annette Kellerman was very involved in the movie's script. She wanted to make sure her life story was told accurately and respectfully. She said she wrote the outline for the script and insisted on being able to edit it.
Choosing the Actors
Louis Calhern was first considered to play Annette's father, but the role went to Walter Pidgeon. Annette was very happy with this choice.
Annette hoped that Glenn Ford would play her husband, Jimmy Sullivan. She felt he would be perfect because he seemed strong and understanding, much like her real husband. However, the part of Jimmy Sullivan went to Victor Mature. He had just starred in a very popular movie called Samson and Delilah.
Filming Challenges
During filming, Esther Williams faced a serious challenge. While performing the movie's famous high dive, she broke her neck when she hit the water. She later wrote that her costume's heavy headdress made it difficult. She felt her neck pop and was temporarily unable to move her upper body. Doctors found she had broken three bones in her neck. She was very lucky not to have a more severe injury.
The Famous Title
The movie's title, Million Dollar Mermaid, became Esther Williams' nickname in Hollywood. It also became the title of her autobiography, a book about her life. Esther Williams often said that this was her favorite movie she ever made.
Movie Release
Million Dollar Mermaid first opened in New York City on December 4, 1952, at Radio City Music Hall. It was very popular and earned a lot of money in its first few weeks. The film made a profit for the studio.
Later Releases
The movie was released on VHS in 1989. Later, in 2009, it became available on DVD as part of a special collection of Esther Williams' films. In recent years, it has also been released on Blu-ray.
Awards and Recognition
The American Film Institute has recognized Million Dollar Mermaid in its lists:
- 2006: AFI's 100 Years...100 Cheers – Nominated (meaning it was considered for a list of inspiring films).
