The first of the spectacular,
Herbert Brenon-directed
Annette Kellerman vehicles, Neptune's Daughter cost a fortune for pinchpenny Universal pictures, but fortunately made back its cost many times over. Exploiting Kellerman's fame as an aquatic star, the film casts her as the daughter of King Neptune himself (hence the title!). Her principal antagonist is the Witch of the Sea, who has the power to grant and take away immortality. She must also contend with the scheming
Leah Baird, who hopes to steal Kellerman's sweetheart William E. Shay away from her. Technically a mermaid, Kellerman occasionally forays onto dry land, where she wears medieval costuming (her "outfit" as Neptune's Daughter consists of nothing but a body stocking and a flowing wig, giving the impression of total nudity!) By film's end, she is back under the sea, where the minions of the Sea Witch do battle against the forces of Neptune. Not only did director Brenon oversee some of the most elaborate sets ever constructed, but he also reportedly had the seacoast of Bermuda (where the film was shot) re-designed to suit his purposes! Alas, Neptune's Daughter, like all of the Brenon-Kellerman collaborations, is now considered a lost film. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide