On 3 Jun 1960, DV reported that former Walt Disney story editor-turned-producer John C. Rose had acquired motion picture rights to Theodore Pratt’s 1942 novel, Mr. Limpet, which was to contain a combination of live action and animated footage. During development, items in the 21 Sep 1960 Var and 10 Feb 1962 LAT indicated that George Gobel and Glynis Johns were in talks for the roles of “Henry” and “Bessie Limpet” before the final casting of Don Knotts and Carole Cook in early summer 1962. Along with news of their involvement, a 10 May 1962 DV item, referring to the film as Henry Limpet, announced that Arthur Lubin was set to direct with animator Bill Tytla, while the original score would be composed by Lynn Murray. Murray did not remain with the project, and Tytla, who oversaw the “special piscatorial effects,” is listed onscreen as “Vladimir Tytla.” The 13 Jul 1962 LAT also named Lisabeth Field and Scott Seaton among the cast, and a 24 Aug 1962 LAT brief included Peter Hellmann, Al Checco, Jack Shea, Roydon Clark, Peter Adam, Monty Piyler, and Logan Field.
       According to the 6 Jul 1962 DV, principal photography began the previous day, and a 17 Jul 1962 DV news story stated that the company would spend three days filming aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer in Long Beach, CA. The 8 Aug 1962 Var indicated that songwriters Harold Adamson and Sammy Fain, erroneously identified as Sammy Cahn, were to complete their work in New York City. Early the next year, a 28 Mar 1963 DV brief stated that an additional scene was shot at the Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, CA.
       The 24 Aug 1962 LAT noted that the title was briefly changed to Be Careful How You Wish, in reference to one of the original songs in the film. However, a 1 Nov 1962 DV brief announced the final release title as The Incredible Mr. Limpet.
       Several contemporary sources, including the 10 Dec 1963 DV, 12 Dec 1963 LAT, and 5 Feb 1964 Var, reported that a $75,000 “press premiere” was held 17 Jan 1964 for 250 members of the media at the underwater theater in Weeki Wachee, FL. The Los Angeles, CA, opening took place 18 Mar 1964. Despite earlier rumors of an engagement at New York City’s Radio Music Hall, a 6 Mar 1964 DV item announced a 25 Mar 1964 release had been moved to the Astor Theatre and twenty-two other local “showcase” venues.
       The Incredible Mr. Limpet was well received at the box-office, and the 2 Mar 1964 LAT stated that entertainer Arthur Godfrey became involved in the strong promotional campaign by releasing a successful recording of “If I Were A Fish,” as sung by children. A 25 Mar 1964 DV brief announced that Dell Publishing also published a comic book tie-in.
       Modern sources revealed multiple attempts to remake the film, beginning with a 1998 revival starring Jim Carrey. New iterations entered development throughout the late 2000s into the 2010s, but none have moved ahead as of the writing of this Note.