Universal's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1916)

This silent film version of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was an epic film produced by Universal in 1916. For many years, it was the definitive cinematic version of the story and took over two years to make. It was the first film ever shot under water and was filmed on location at many of the same under sea locations as Walt's version of the film. It cost so much to make there was no way for it to make a profit and such films were not made again for decades.

When Walt produced his version in the 1950's, he remembered this famous silent version and it influenced parts of his picture. Few people today have ever seen this version or are aware that silent films could be so elaborately made.

In the year 2016 it was added to the National Film Registry.

Starring

Allen Holubar as Captain Nemo
Jane Gail as A Child of Nature
Matt Moore as Lieutenant Bond
William Welsh as Charles Denver
Curtis Benton as Ned Land
Dan Hanlon as Professor Aronnax
Edna Pendleton as Aronnax's Daughter

Written by Stuart Paton

Directed by Stuart Paton

Release date December 24, 1916

Posted for historical purposes. This channel is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company.