Captain Nemo and the Underwater City

Captain Nemo's submarine Nautilus rescues drowning passengers from the ocean and transports them to the underwater city of Templemer. The survivors include thieves, cowards, a senator, and a mother with her son, all told they will remain forever in this submerged city. Nemo welcomes them into the mysterious and futuristic environment beneath the sea.

Nemo takes the group on a scuba tour of the city, showcasing its marvels like oxygen and water production and the by-product of gold. Lomax, feeling cowardly, tries to steal diving gear to escape but is caught by Nemo and the crew. Tensions rise as the survivors begin to realize the city's secrets and strict controls.

Senator Robert Fraser appears captivated by a musical performance by Mala, the city's swimming teacher. Joab, Nemo's second in command, notices Fraser's interest, hinting at his admiration for the performance and Fraser's potential inner conflicts or desires.

Joab reveals to the Bath brothers that the city secretly houses a second submarine, Nautilus II. The brothers see the submarine as their escape route and decide to enlist Fraser’s help in stealing it, sensing freedom lies beyond the city’s confines.

Fraser learns how to operate Nautilus II during training and unintentionally rams and kills a massive creature called Mobula, created during the city's construction. This incident showcases the dangerous and unpredictable environment beneath the city.

Fraser confesses he plans to cut off the weapons supply to the American Civil War and declines Nemo’s offer of a position at Templemer. Joab secretly assists Fraser, and the Bath brothers, in collaboration with Nemo, steal the Nautilus II to escape from the city.

Nemo pursues the stolen Nautilus II in Nautilus I, warning that Nautilus II’s engines are faulty and might explode. During a brief chase, Nemo attempts to go beneath a reef to escape, but the engines fail, causing the submarine to crash into a reef and come to a halt, still submerged.

The crew, including Fraser and the Bath brothers, quickly don diving gear to evacuate as Nautilus II floods. Barnaby Bath panics and drowns during the chaos, highlighting the dangers faced during their escape.

Nautilus I approaches the wrecked Nautilus II just as it explodes, caused by engine failure. Joab gets electrocuted after being thrown against a control panel, and he confesses to Nemo that he helped Fraser escape before succumbing to his wounds, revealing internal conflicts among the crew.

Mala reads a farewell letter from Fraser, explaining he cannot join Nemo’s vision of the future but respects his efforts. Helena Beckett and her son choose to stay in the city, while Joab’s confession completes the emotional aftermath of the escape attempt.

The Nautilus turns toward the surface, with Nemo's crew and the Bath brothers aboard. On the surface, a schooner picks up Fraser and Swallow Bath in mid-ocean, far from land or wreckage, indicating they have survived and are about to be taken into an uncertain future.

During their journey, Fraser secretly conceals a gold ladle under his coat, hinting at a lingering attachment to the city’s wealth or memories. His and Swallow Bath’s exchange of smiles suggests complex feelings about their escape and the life they are leaving behind.

The film closes with Fraser and Swallow Bath sailing away, leaving the underwater city behind. The scene leaves open the possibility of future adventures or reflections on the choices made during their escape from Templemer.