USOS Seaview - Production Background

Production Background

Three models of Seaview — 4 (51½"), 8.5 (102"), and 17 feet (206") (1.2, 2.4 and 5.5 m) long — were built (eight-window nose in the motion picture and first television season, four-window version thereafter). The four-foot wood and steel tube approval/pattern model was extensively seen in the feature and on the TV series used as set decoration on a shelf in the observation nose, and behind Nelson's desk in his cabin. The eight-foot model had external doors for a not fitted nine-inch Flying Sub, while a more detailed 18-inch Flying Sub was held within the larger Seaview. For close-ups, a three-foot Flying Sub was produced, which was also used in the aerial sequences. All three Seaview models were built for a total 1961 price of US$200,000 by Herb Cheeks' model shop at Fox, and were filmed by L. B. Abbott who won two Emmy Awards for special effects in the series. For the television series a very poorly rendered two-foot model was built. The fates of the three original models vary; the original eight-window wood and steel four-foot display model was damaged in an altercation between writer Harlan Ellison and ABC Television executive Adrian Samish and after a full restoration resides in a private collection. The eight-foot model was extensively modified; (bow cut off) for use in the short lived 1978 series "The Return of Captain Nemo" and is believed to have been destroyed. The 17-foot model after a partial restoration by numerous individuals, is on display at the "Museum Of Science Fiction" located in Seattle, Washington.