Copyright 22 November 1946 by Paramount Pictures, Inc. New York opening at the Rivoli: 24 September 1946. U.S. release: 22 November 1946. U.K. release: 15 April 1946 (sic). Australian release: 20 December 1946. Sydney opening at the Prince Edward: 20 December 1946 (ran six weeks). 10 reels. 8,903 feet. 99 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Ladd is the spoiled son of a ship-owner who, while drinking in a waterfront dive in Boston one evening, finds himself the victim of Bendix and his gang and wakes up shanghaied, on board the Pilgrim bound for the California coast and back. Conditions on the ship are appalling, and the captain, da Silva, drives the men ruthlessly.
NOTES: The movie was actually shot in 1944, but fearful of its adverse propaganda, Paramount delayed release until well after the end of WW2.
COMMENT: Director John Farrow's penchant for long takes and elaborate technical effects is well illustrated in this film. Particularly effective is the opening take with Collins in his counting house. Also, as an experienced seaman himself, Farrow was the ideal man to handle this subject. Acting is of a very, very high standard indeed, but Da Silva's impersonation of a Bligh-like Captain and Bendix's well- rounded study of his first mate, deserve special mention.
Screenwriters Seton I. Miller and George Bruce have done a first- rate job of transferring Richard Dana's novel to the screen.
Yes, the atmosphere and action on shipboard is most effectively conveyed in this creditable costume picture. True, it does seem a little dated by the fact that for all its sweep, it was obviously filmed entirely in the studio — even if the studio sound stages were rather capacious.
However, Farrow's aggressive direction and convincing performances by Da Silva, Bendix and even Donlevy more than make up for any slight shortcomings in verisimilitude. Stockwell is compelling too, whilst Fitzgerald (whose inability to remember his lines proved a thorn in Farrow's side during the shooting of "California") seems able enough here in a smallish part. The climax is maybe too fast and perfunctory. On the other hand, a bit of love interest supplied by Esther Fernandez does slow the action slightly. But both Miss Fernandez and Mr. Ladd are strong enough to shoulder this burden.
On addition to its solid support cast, the whole movie is lovingly photographed and set.
SYNOPSIS: Ladd is the spoiled son of a ship-owner who, while drinking in a waterfront dive in Boston one evening, finds himself the victim of Bendix and his gang and wakes up shanghaied, on board the Pilgrim bound for the California coast and back. Conditions on the ship are appalling, and the captain, da Silva, drives the men ruthlessly.
NOTES: The movie was actually shot in 1944, but fearful of its adverse propaganda, Paramount delayed release until well after the end of WW2.
COMMENT: Director John Farrow's penchant for long takes and elaborate technical effects is well illustrated in this film. Particularly effective is the opening take with Collins in his counting house. Also, as an experienced seaman himself, Farrow was the ideal man to handle this subject. Acting is of a very, very high standard indeed, but Da Silva's impersonation of a Bligh-like Captain and Bendix's well- rounded study of his first mate, deserve special mention.
Screenwriters Seton I. Miller and George Bruce have done a first- rate job of transferring Richard Dana's novel to the screen.
Yes, the atmosphere and action on shipboard is most effectively conveyed in this creditable costume picture. True, it does seem a little dated by the fact that for all its sweep, it was obviously filmed entirely in the studio — even if the studio sound stages were rather capacious.
However, Farrow's aggressive direction and convincing performances by Da Silva, Bendix and even Donlevy more than make up for any slight shortcomings in verisimilitude. Stockwell is compelling too, whilst Fitzgerald (whose inability to remember his lines proved a thorn in Farrow's side during the shooting of "California") seems able enough here in a smallish part. The climax is maybe too fast and perfunctory. On the other hand, a bit of love interest supplied by Esther Fernandez does slow the action slightly. But both Miss Fernandez and Mr. Ladd are strong enough to shoulder this burden.
On addition to its solid support cast, the whole movie is lovingly photographed and set.