Producer: Frank Lloyd. A Frank Lloyd Production. Copyright 17 November 1939 by Paramount Pictures, Inc. New York opening at the Paramount: 8 November 1939. U.S. release: 17 November 1939. Australian release: 15 December 1939. Sydney opening at the Prince Edward: 15 December 1939 (ran until 9 January 1940). 8,724 feet. 97 minutes.
NOTES: Negative cost: $2,500,000.
COMMENT: Certainly an entertaining and expansively produced movie, but, despite that $2.5 million budget, not quite as gripping as it ought to be. The somewhat rambling and episodic story is partly to blame. The one-dimensional characters are also a problem, though the players do valiantly to breathe life into them.
Alan Ladd distinguishes himself at this stage of his career, in a comparatively large role as an ordinary seaman. But Will Fyffe's character part allows him few opportunities, Margaret Lockwood is disappointingly bland, whilst Douglas Fairbanks Jr. just manages to hold the interest until the film finally puts back to sea and the excitement really begins.
One hesitates to recommend trimming, but the picture definitely seems a mite overlong. It's more stirring, adventurous and exciting in retrospect than when actually watching its events somewhat sluggishly unfold. Nonetheless, a must-see movie, even for lukewarm fans.
NOTES: Negative cost: $2,500,000.
COMMENT: Certainly an entertaining and expansively produced movie, but, despite that $2.5 million budget, not quite as gripping as it ought to be. The somewhat rambling and episodic story is partly to blame. The one-dimensional characters are also a problem, though the players do valiantly to breathe life into them.
Alan Ladd distinguishes himself at this stage of his career, in a comparatively large role as an ordinary seaman. But Will Fyffe's character part allows him few opportunities, Margaret Lockwood is disappointingly bland, whilst Douglas Fairbanks Jr. just manages to hold the interest until the film finally puts back to sea and the excitement really begins.
One hesitates to recommend trimming, but the picture definitely seems a mite overlong. It's more stirring, adventurous and exciting in retrospect than when actually watching its events somewhat sluggishly unfold. Nonetheless, a must-see movie, even for lukewarm fans.