An early Jacques Cousteau movie, written, shot and edited by the great film director Louis Malle. It shows a research expedition to the Persian Gulf and a dive near Bahrain in search of oil. The film was sponsored by the French arm of British Petroleum, and featured the ship Calypso which later became world famous. At the time it was made, the film offered several revolutionary ideas and technologies. First, the concept of prospecting for undersea oil was innovative. Second, the use of scuba diving equipment as shown in the film was new to many audience members. Third, the use of underwater camera equipment made the film unique and exceptional for its time period. It was also the first of many films to single out the work of Cousteau.