The classic Jules Verne story comes perfectly alive in this entertaining and successful 1954 full-length live-action feature. The evil Captain Nemo is piloting a submarine called The Naultilus. While trying to control nuclear energy, he has been destroying ships. Attacked by a giant squid, Nemo is saved by Ned Land, who has been trying to track him down. Land then reveals the location of Nemo’s secret island and both Nemo and the island are destroyed.

Highlighted by an impressive set as well as solid special effects (for the time), 20,000 Leagues was a hit on its first release. The acting was top-rate, especially that of James Mason and Kirk Douglas. The cast also included Peter Lorre and Paul Lucas. The film was directed by Richard Fleischer, the son of animation pioneer Max Fleischer. Norman Gimble and Al Hoffman wrote the signature tune A Whale of a Tale, which achieved some level of popularity at the time. The film won Academy Awards for Best Special Effects and Art Decoration/Set Decoration. 20,000 Leagues was also Disney’s first film in Cinemascope.

Merchandising included books, records and Four Color Comics #614.