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The Legacy of Gilbert Klingel: Man of Steel

This is the inspirational story and legacy of one of the Chesapeake Bay's most brilliant naturalists.
Gilbert Klingel, the son of German Pharmacists, became an author, explorer, boat builder, underwater submersible diver, inventor, and premiere metallurgist.
Klingel's story of the Chesapeake and of Marine life in the 20th century is astounding and is set to become a national treasure and inspiration.
Newly discovered film from the 1920's and the 1950's, together with brilliant photographs throughout the period, give us a snapshot of the Chesapeake Bay in its earlier life.
The story of Klingel's shipwreck, his discoveries, his boats, and his underwater observations make this a tale that is not only inspirational but one that reaches our hearts and dreams.
Gilbert Klingel truly was a Man of Steel....

  • David R. Miller
    Director
    Journey on the Chesapeake: The Way Back Home
  • Marcy Benouameur, Dave Miller
    Writer
    Journey on the Chesapeake: The Way Back Home
  • Dave Miller
    Producer
    Journey on the Chesapeake: The Way Back Home
  • Marcy Benouameur
    Producer
  • Tom Robinson
    Producer
  • John Bonner
    Producer
  • Bill Mullis
    Key Cast
    "Worked with Klingel"
  • Marcy Benouameur
    Key Cast
    "Klingel's Daughter"
  • John Bonner
    Key Cast
    "Skipper of the Freya"
  • Andrew Cooper
    Key Cast
    "Pilot, Inagua Trekker"
  • Eric Hedberg
    Key Cast
    "Boatright"
  • Wayne Pulley
    Key Cast
    "Klingel Friend"
  • Morgan Wells
    Key Cast
    "Underwater Explorer"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    58 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 4, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    500,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Richmond Environmental Film Festival
    Richmond, Virginia
    United States
    February 10, 2019
    Winner Grand Prize
Distribution Information
  • Pubic Broadcasting
    Country: United States
    Rights: Video on Demand, Free TV
Director Biography - David R. Miller

Dave Miller Bio (2018)

Virginia Filmmaker Dave Miller developed his passion for film in college. He produces, directs, and manages all aspects of media. Dave earned degrees at both the University of Arizona and at Averett University in Danville, Virginia.
He began his own film company in 2013 and is currently working on documentaries and stories for cable television. He produces films about the Chesapeake Bay and about the wonderful variety of life found in Virginia.
Dave has a sport fishing boat and has taken navigational courses. He has learned the ropes by trial and error, and by making the big mistakes only once. His father taught him to fish at an early age and it’s become a family activity.
His film for 2016 was “Journey on the Chesapeake: The Way Back Home”. This year in 2018 he is working with National Geographic and is producing “The Legacy of Gilbert Klingel: Man of Steel”. Dave has received numerous national awards. However, what motivates Dave is meeting great people and telling their stories.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This film came about by a group from Gwynn's Island, Virginia including Klingel's daughter, retired from the Smithsonian Institute having the vision, materials, and resources to get things going. I googled Klingel and got a copy of his book, "The Bay". From there the "stars aligned" and images and people kept appearing just when I needed them! It was a learning process like all documentary work and I am glad to bring Klingel's legacy to the American public.