The Original Million Dollar Mermaid by Emily Gibson

When times got financially difficult in Australia her family moved to London where Annette swam over 20 miles in the Thames River to gain attention (and $$). Through overcoming childhood illnesses she began to swim for health and its competitiveness. Firth was the coordinator of the Sydney Opera House’s Theatrical Memorabilia in the 1970’s when she first met Annette and her sister Mipps and then subsequently became Annette’s official biographer.Īnnette Kellerman was born in the suburbs of Sydney in 1886 to very musically talented parents. Gibson & Firth’s book finally brought the pieces of Kellerman’s life together to share the entirety of her most remarkable life. And (yet again my opinion) still a fantastic well told story via its 1995 VHS release. For many years viewing this film was the best way to be introduced to the stunning career of Annette Kellerman. One of her best films (in my opinion) is the 1952 Busby Berkeley classic ‘Million Dollar Mermaid’ starring Esther as Annette Kellerman. In 1940 the same show was produced at the Golden Gate Exposition in San Francisco where the lovely and very talented Esther Williams took on the starring female lead alongside Johnney Weissmuller.Įsther Williams then went on to have a tremendous career in Hollywood becoming the biggest female box office attraction of the 1950’s.

Eleanor Holm, the 1932 Olympic Gold Medal Backstroker went on to star in the 1937 and ‘39-40 Billy Rose Aquacade.

Gertrude Ederle became the first woman (and fastest to date) to swim the English Channel in 1926 and went on to appear in the Billy Rose Aquacade in New York. Duke Kahanamoku and Johnney Weissmuller took their pool accomplishments respectfully to spreading the spirit and style of surfing to the world and to bring the cinematic characters like Tarzan and Jungle Jim alive to millions of ardent fans through the years. Matthew Webb and Paul Boyton’s exploits are legendary in the open waters of the world. Annette Kellerman may perhaps be the least known today and yet most famous in her day that ’swimming’ has ever produced. The modern world of Aquatics has produced some incredible personalities during the past 125+ years.

The Original Million Dollar Mermaid by Emily Gibson