A Daughter of the Gods
A Daughter of the Gods was a 1916 American silent fantasy drama film written and directed by Herbert Brenon. The film was controversial because of the sequences of what was regarded as superfluous nudity by the main character, Nydia, played by Australian swimming star Annette Kellerman. The scene is regarded as the first complete nude scene by a major star, which occurred during a waterfall sequence, though most of Kellerman's body is covered by her long hair. It was filmed by Fox Film Corporation in Kingston, Jamaica where huge sets were constructed, and directed by Herbert Brenon. Though stills and publicity photos have survived, the film is now considered lost.
The movie is backdropped in an undersea kingdom, not unlike Atlantis with underwater sequences and Kellerman's nudity
The film is credited as the first US production to cost US$1 million to produce. Studio head William Fox was so incensed with the cost of production he removed Herbert Brenon's name from the film. However, Brenon sued to have his name restored to the film's credits, and won. Director Herbert Brenon employed 20,000 people during the eight months of production and used 220,000 feet (67,000 m) of film to shoot the picture.
Open Water Swimming
A Daughter of the Gods was listed as one of the Great Movies for Open Water Swimmers by the World Open Water Swimming Association and the Daily News of Open Water Swimming.
