In this period, Jacques Cousteau was gaining recognition around the world. He had sold the America exclusive rights for his documentaries to Universal Pictures, which had offered him a deal to put his documentaries on the big screen. Also, Cousteau leased the warship The Calypso from millionaire Loel Guinness, and transformed it into a research vessel to replace the old L’Elie Monnier.

With grants from museums and the National Geographic Society, Cousteau led a 1-year long expedition to the shipwreck of Grand Congloue. He also collaborated with US Navy to design and build underwater base camps.

The 1950s were an important period for the film maker. He produced and released the Oscar winning The Silent World and World Without Sun, and went on to produce The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, his first television series.