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Date produced: 1951

Filmmaker(s):

Leon Paddock

Length:

1000 ft

Format:

16mm

Colour:

Kodachrome

Sound:

Synchronized sound on tape

Awards/Recognition:

American Cinematographer Amateur Movie Makers Contest, 1952 - Top Ten Award Winner

Description:

"Spear That Fish - Few professionals have yet brought to theatre screens such scenes as Leon Paddock has captured in this entertaining 16mm color film. Using underwater camera equipment which he designed himself, he and an associate journeyed to the west coast of Mexico where they took the camera underwater and shot scenes of sturdy swimmers with water-goggles and swim-fins exploring the marine life of Mexico's off-shore waters. Shown are divers using spears and spear-guns in hunting game fish, and one diver's encounter with devilfish and other unusual marine life. The climax is marked by a duel between a diver and a shark, with the diver knifing the shark and bringing it to surface. The color photography is some of the best 16mm underseas camerawork yet to be seen. It demonstrates unusual skill as well as the filmer's knack of obtaining excellent exposures with color film in the admittedly difficult conditions which underwater invariably presents. The narration on tape contributes adequately to the screen presentation enhancing the continuity of the slick editing of this picture." American Cinematographer, May 1952, 223-4.

Resources:

According to the "Minutes" of the Conchological Club of Southern California's Feb. 5, 1952 meeting, this film was shot near Guaymas, Mexico, and features footage of a diver killing a shark with a knife.

Arizona Republic, Nov. 15, 1955, 18.

Locations:

  • Guaymas, Mexico (Filming)

Subjects:

Genre:

Form:

Tags:

Screenings:

  • Screened by the Conchological Club of Southern California on Feb. 5, 1952: Los Angeles, CA
  • Screened at the Chandler High School auditorium on Nov. 15, 1955: Chandler, AZ
  • Screened at the Scottsdale High School auditorium on Nov. 17, 1955: Scottsdale, AZ

Do you know where this film is? Get in touch with us at amdb@ucalgary.ca.