6/10
The Million Dollar Mermaid
26 April 2009
A detailed synopsis of Herbert Brenon's lost spectacular can be easily found (presently) by searching "A Daughter of the Gods" and "Library of Congress". Before that, the film's program expressed its fantastical content, "The Prologue: The plaything of a little child escapes its earthly prison. And thereby hangs a tale of many years ago. Act One: The land of a Mighty Sultan, and a record of many strange happenings there. A Fairy Prince and Princess Meet. Act Two: Wherein we all become children again and fight for a beautiful Princess. The land of the Great Beyond. The Fairy Prince and Princess meet again, never to be parted."

"A Daughter of the Gods" was shot in Jamaica, and cost over a million dollars to make. It was the second successful collaboration for acclaimed director Herbert Brenon and aquatic superstar Annette Kellerman (herein, playing Princess Anitia). Although several reviewers reported it to be "stodgy" and too long (Brenon called it "three enchanting hours"), over several years (and reissues), it must have eventually recouped its cost. "Tasteful" nude scenes, exposing the conveniently long-haired Ms. Kellerman's naked form, must have helped cause the sensational box office.

****** A Daughter of the Gods (10/17/16) Herbert Brenon ~ Annette Kellerman, William E. Shay, Violet Horner
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