Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)

What makes it different from others?

Very well executed

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

If you're interested in the topic at hand, you should just watch it and judge yourself because the reviews have gone very biased by people that didn't even watch it and just hate (or love) the creator. I liked it, it was well written, narrated, and directed and it was about a topic that interests me.

The idea of putting swimming star Esther Williams in a biography of champion Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman must have seemed like a can't-miss concept for a splashy matinée item which would pay-off no matter what the outcome. Unfortunately, the concept itself is underused, as Williams performs in a handful of extravagant water routines but does very little dramatic acting. Producer Arthur Hornblow Jr. and the requisite MGM brass do not appear to have any inspiration that goes beyond the standard glitz and glamour (the script being somewhat expendable). That's too bad, for Kellerman's life story had aspects of both high drama and nostalgic value (being the first woman to wear a one-piece swimsuit on America's shores!). Mervyn LeRoy's direction is quite capable, and Williams is amiable, however Busby Berkeley's lavish, gaudy production numbers are what most people end up remembering. **1/2 from ****

This is another Esther Williams film where her character meets a male promoter who wants to make money off her talents. But this one is based upon a true story--the story of Annette Kellerman, the Australian swimming champion who parlayed her athletic abilities and physical beauty into a career in entertainment.Unfortunately, this version of her story contains numerous digressions from the truth in the name of dramatization. The real story would have been interesting enough.Once Annette gets on the publicity radar, she becomes a sideshow act featuring her swimming and diving. Then she becomes a feature act at New York's Hippodrome. Eventually, she stars in silent films.This film is praised for its Technicolor. Esther does her usually solid job of acting and swimming. Victor Mature plays her promoter/husband with an oily charm befitting a sideshow promoter, but the real Annette's husband was probably nothing like that.

In Australia, little Donna Corcoran (as little Annette Kellerman) swims to overcome polio. Supported by father Walter Pidgeon (as Frederick), she becomes a little swimming champion. The cute girl quickly grows up to be attractive trophy-collecting Esther Williams (as the adult Annette Kellerman). She meets manly Victor Mature (as James "Jimmy" Sullivan) and goes to America. Mr. Mature puts her in a shocking one-piece bathing suit and Ms. Williams is accused of "indecent exposure." They are mutually attracted, but Williams must listen to Mature tell her: "Wet you're terrific, dry you're just a nice girl who ought to settle down and get married." Understandably, this nervy line puts a cramp in their romance. Williams also attracts "Hippodrome" owner David Brian (as Alfred Harper). While not classically handsome, kangaroo-trainer Jesse White (as Doc Cronnol) gets no action; he's faithful, supportive and funny, but apparently not Williams' type. All this silliness is based on a few facts from the real turn-of-the century celebrity Annette Kellerman's life. The original "Million Dollar Mermaid" was also famous for appearing for the public in only her "birthday suit" - but this biography keeps Williams' Kellerman modestly covered.Stick around for the sensational aquatic scenes. This is where Williams, choreographer Busby Berkeley, and cinematographer George J. Folsey really shine. They didn't do it alone, of course, as the MGM production team employed hundreds of hard-working helpers. Ballet dancer Maria Tallchief (as Anna Pavlova) and one of the seemingly endless cute Corcoran kids are additionally noteworthy. Young Donna won a "Film Daily" acting nomination in their juvenile category, Mr. Folsey's color photography received "Academy Award" consideration, and Williams drew in the crowds.****** Million Dollar Mermaid (12/4/52) Mervyn LeRoy ~ Esther Williams, Victor Mature, Walter Pidgeon, David Brian

In addition to the fictionalization of the previous commenter, it is also interesting that Annette's mother did not die when she was as young as the movie depicts. In fact, it was her mother who put her into swimming lessons to strengthen her legs. And it was her father who started her in her professional career, including the swim up the Thames river. She did marry her manager, James Sullivan, though.Of course, the romance plays much better on film as depicted here. Despite the Hollywood-izing of her life, this is still an enjoyable film and a great showcase for the talented Esther Williams. Nice, light entertainment.