Given the chance to live in a simulated underwater home for a month, a scientist convinces his family to take advantage of the offer. Once the family agrees to move in, underwater mayhem occurs!
I first saw this movie as a child back in the 60's at my local movie theatre. I was too young at the time to understand the concept - though the movie was the brainchild of Ivan Tors (Daktari, Zebra in the Kitchen, Flipper) I enjoyed looking at the underwater scenes. However now I've located it, bought it and watched it, I enjoyed the movie for what it is -good light entertainment. Tony Randall plays a architect/engineer who seizes upon the idea of building self sufficient homes underwater and builds (in secret) a home thats nicknamed 'the green onion' - Along with Janet Leigh as his very attractive (and albeit hydrophobic) wife and his 2 children (who ironically, are in a garage-type rock band seeking fame and fortune featuring a youthful Richard Dreyfus as their leader), Roddy McDowell as the music agent stoked on their with-it sound, Charlotte Ray (the housekeeper in Different Strokes) appears as their tonic-hooked housekeeper who's even more hip than the kids. We also have Ken Berry in a different role (as a baddie!!) looking to pillage the sea bed looking for gold - not to mention interfering with Tony Randall's quest to live in the green onion with his family for a month - proving its viability to his unscrupulous boss (Jim Backus). Following the usual plots of interference & sabbotage, danger (with real tiger sharks attacking the green onion following a garbage disposal mishap), and the kids being trapped in a submarine after sneaking out during a typhoon while trying to get to land to do a spot on the "Merv Griffin' show (the film also features a cameo by the fabulous Mr Griffin). The film is good clean American fun - no drugs (other than the tonic the housekeeper swills throughout), no real violence other than the risk of shark attack to Tony Randall - in which he's gallantly rescued by 2 dolphins - Duke and Duchess - its all good!!! - the film is a little dated in some parts, however it appears to hold a great deal of relevance in that it promotes ecology and preservation of our more natural world, which is sadly what we really need today.
May 28, 2008You can't beat the cast for stars (Tony Randall, Janet Leigh, Jim Backus, Ken Berry, Merv Griffin - and even a teenage Richard Dreyfuss!), it's got a sappy sitcom sort of feel to the story and characterizations... and you get dolphins in the living room! What's not to like?!!
For those looking for serious fare, please go elsewhere, but for a breezy uncommitted afternoon, you could do a lot worse than a peek back into the 60's. If kids can get past the dated feel, the story is pleasantly predictable, the music is fun... and they'll love the Green Onion. ("Dad, can WE live there?")
March 11, 2008A cute, clean show, with notable actors and actresses, Hello, Down There has humor and family antics that are light-hearted. A wee bit long on the teenage music but still a novel movie for the viewer who likes oldies but goodies. I like to be able to sit down with my children and not worry that someone will be embarrassed by inappropriate language, innuendo, or behavior. This story about a scientist developing an undersea, fully-sustained home appeals to the environmentalist in me and is also family-friendly.
February 20, 2008Fun for the whole family. A movie you don't have to be embarrassed to watch with your kids. They can sing along with all the catchy tunes and laugh at the silly antics. An 'oldie but a goodie'.
November 22, 2007This movie would be a great item in a time capsule from the '60s. The hair, the fashions, the music, Jim Backus... What kid wouldn't fantasize about living in "The Green Onion?" The only part I can do without is when Tony Randall squawks out that whiny rendition of a love song to Janet Leigh. I would echo drummer Marvin's reaction, "That really turns me off." Oh, well, here goes... I remember "catching" this movie on TV when I was a kid, home sick from "school." Every time I watch it, I am swept away in a "Wave" of nostalgia. Many of the cast members went on to have a "whale" of a career, including Richard Dreyfuss. Kay Cole, who plays Lorrie, later appeared in the original Broadway cast of "A Chorus Line," and Gary Tigerman (brother Tommie) is a well-known author of sci-fi novels. This movie is just good, clean fun.
August 29, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
Daily Birthdays
(24 reviews)
