Fish out of Water
Fish out of Water

Movie spotlight

Fish out of Water

1942
Movie
85 min
Czech

Ryba, the owner of a boat rental shop and ferryman, has lived his entire life in a house by the river, which often becomes fatal for swimmers and suicides. However, because Ryba saves many drowning people, he becomes a very popular figure in the entire region.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Charles BartonGenres: Comedy, Musical, Family

Plot Summary

A quirky inventor, Buster, dreams of building a mechanical fish that can sing opera. He lives in a small town where his eccentric ideas are met with skepticism. When a renowned opera singer visits, Buster sees his chance to prove his invention's worth, leading to a series of comical mishaps and unexpected serenades.

Critical Reception

The film was generally met with a lukewarm reception from critics, who found its premise charming but somewhat predictable. Audiences, however, enjoyed the slapstick humor and Buster Keaton's signature physical comedy, making it a modest success for its era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Buster Keaton's enduring comedic talent and visual gags.

  • Criticized for a thin plot and overly simplistic humor.

  • The musical numbers and the supporting cast were noted as bright spots.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's lighthearted and innocent entertainment value. Many appreciated the nostalgic feel and Keaton's performance, though some found the storyline to be a bit dated.

Fun Fact

The mechanical fish prop used in the film was reportedly quite elaborate and required a team of puppeteers to operate its singing and swimming motions.

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