A fondness for blondes and alcohol soaks money out of salty old San Pedro fisherman Wallace Beery (as Bill Johansen). Stocky dockside shopkeeper Marjorie Main (as Marge Cavendish) is sweet on Mr. Beery, but is put off by his irresponsible lifestyle. The arrival of Beery's long-lost teenage daughter Virginia Weidler (as Virginia Johansen) could put Berry in a family mood, but local crooks and his wayward nature threaten to sink Berry's ship...
MGM teamed Wallace Berry and Marie Dressler very successfully, with "Min and Bill" being their most representative hit. Here, they are obviously going for the same formula, with Ms. Main replacing Ms. Dressler. Berry was happiest on the docks, and most lovable with an appealing child; double check. This probably should have been titled "Marge and Bill", but you couldn't fault the studio for knowing who was reeling in the box office cash.
****** Barnacle Bill (4/7/41) Richard Thorpe ~ Wallace Beery, Marjorie Main, Virginia Weidler, Leo Carrillo
MGM teamed Wallace Berry and Marie Dressler very successfully, with "Min and Bill" being their most representative hit. Here, they are obviously going for the same formula, with Ms. Main replacing Ms. Dressler. Berry was happiest on the docks, and most lovable with an appealing child; double check. This probably should have been titled "Marge and Bill", but you couldn't fault the studio for knowing who was reeling in the box office cash.
****** Barnacle Bill (4/7/41) Richard Thorpe ~ Wallace Beery, Marjorie Main, Virginia Weidler, Leo Carrillo