Updated: November 26, 2023

An original Proteus submarine filming miniature used in the Richard Fleischer science fiction film, Fantastic Voyage ( 20th Century Fox, 1966 ).

This filming miniature is composed of hand-painted fiberglass and resin. The design of this iconic submarine was completed by Harper Goff, who's design closley mirrored his work in the 1954 film, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ( Walt Disney Productions, 1954 ).

During production of the film, four scale models of the Proteus were produced, and this five-foot version represents the hero scale model that was used in close-up shots. In additon to the full-size forty-two foot model used in the film, many special effects shots were done with this model. This model could be suspended by a system of wires, and was utilized for scenes that showed the inside of the human body. An entire soundstage was used at Fox Studios to contain this model for the heart and brain scenes of the film. This model was used in a dry enviroment, but to give the sense that it was floating through a bloodstream, imitation blood cells were shown as a transparent layer in the final footage of the film.

This large scale model was utilized in scenes such as when the crew of the Proteus must take an alternate route through the heart of Dr. Jan Benes ( Jean Del Val ), as well as during the scenes that feature the brain.

This model served as the hero miniature model, and featured miniature figures of each of the submarine's crew members. Upon looking through the windshield of the vessel, details such as a newspaper and Coors beer can are visible. Dr. Michaels ( Donald Pleasence ) is depicted in the upper dome of the model.

This model was expertly restored by its previous owner, Greg Jein, and was exhibited in 1990 at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Fantastic Voyage won two Academy Awards, one for Best Special Effects and one for Best Art Direction. Miniature measures 23 × 62 × 34 inches.

Value: $20,000.