The movie did exist in two versions. The first was a simple tale of
the search for the volute and was really quite boring. Then it was
re-edited and included the actor Mickey Rooney with  bits of comedy
added and became very enjoyable. I know we tried to obtain a copy to
show at an early C.O.A. meeting, but as with so many things, my aging
mind doesn't recall whether we succeeded or not, though i do know I
have viewed both versions several times.

Tom Rice
Rawai Beach, Phuket Island
The Kingdom of Thailand

On Fri, Oct 4, 2013 at 5:26 AM, Harry Lee <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear Scott,
>
> I can assure you it was real , er, at least the movie existed.
>
> As I recall, the expedition w/ Capt Nielsen was closely chronicled, dredged
> up some volutes, etc., but was skunked in the quest for the target Cymbiola
> perplicata.
>
> I certainly remember the closing scene on an Australian urban sidewalk
> featured Mickey Rooney, in a cameo gig, running a classic shell game scam
> (three such, one presumably concealing a prize, perhaps it was the precious
> "perplicata"). That may have been the great child actor's last hurrah.
>
> Harry
>
>
>
> At 03:31 PM 10/3/2013, SCOTT JORDAN wrote:
>
> Has anyone actually seen the film?  Perhaps it is a sort of urban legend or
> a project discussed but never fulfilled.Scott
>
> From: Tom Ball <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Thursday, October 3, 2013 11:59 AM
> Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Volute movie
>
> This question was asked in 2006 on CONCHL (w/ no resolution):
> http://www.listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0611a&L=conch-l&P=4743
>
> The only new info from that page is:
>
> it is a film of John E. duPont
>
> Hope this helps the search. I would like a copy for my club also
>
> Tom Ball
> Broward Shell Club
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sue Hobbs
> Sent: Oct 3, 2013 1:37 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Volute movie
>
> As program procurer for The Jersey Cape Shell Club in Stone Harbor, NJ, I
> would also be interested in this film, to show at a future meeting of our
> club.
>
> Thank you-
> Sue Hobbs
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Alwyn Marais
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Thursday, October 03, 2013 6:28 AM
> Subject: [CONCH-L] Volute movie
>
> Hi All
>
> I am looking for a copy of the feature film, called " In search of the
> perplicata'  , the story of Tom Nielsens search for the elusive cymbiolacca
> volute. We would like to present it at our Society AGM in November. Any help
> or a finger in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Kind regards
>
> Alwyn Marais
> South Africa
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> [log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs To
> leave this list, click on the following web link:
> http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1 Type your email
> address and name in the appropriate box and click leave the list.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------