Lon Chaney Jr. As A Heroic Sponge Fisherman
There are two versions of "16 Fathoms Deep", one was released in 1934 and the other in 1948. Both use Lon Chaney Jr., but in different roles.
The Sinister Cinema edition, pictured here with the artwork of a shark attacking a helmeted deep-sea diver, is the Monogram Pictures 1934 edition. Lon Chaney Jr., calling himself Creighton Chaney, portrays Joe Bethel, a good-hearted sponge fisherman who needs to make some money so he can marry girlfriend Rosita (Sally O'Neil). Joe Bethel can borrow money only from treacherous financier Theo Savanis (George Regas), who wants Rosita for himself. When the boat goes out for sponges, the crew is stymied by breakdowns and sabotage. Will Joe be able to gather up enough sponges, get back in time for the auction, and get to marry Rosita?
The film is in black & white. The picture has not been cleaned-up, Criterion style. Although one might see a brief gap or two and some artifacts, the picture is good enough. Having just...
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