Kenneth Roberts was a wonderful writer of American historical novels set especially during the Revolutionary and War of 1812 eras. Weighty but very engaging sagas of heroism against adversity in the shaping of the early United States. I've read and re-read Northwest Passage, Arundel, Rabble in Arms, Oliver Wiswell, Captain Caution, and Lively Lady. Roberts takes the reader on a whirlwind of adventure rooted in real American history. The movie treatment of Captain Caution, however, has two many light and comedic elements making it almost into a satire on historical fiction. Victor Mature is no Errol Flynn when it comes to dashing, complex, romantic heroes, and the comedic over-acting of sidekick Leo Carrillo and other character actors pushes the movie from drama to light comedy. For a much better seafaring production made produced in the same Hollywood era stick with "Captain Horatio Hornblower" with Gregory Peck. I'm guessing that author Roberts was not happy with this treatment of his historical novel. For an excellent Roberts adaptation stick with "Northwest Passage."
Review of Captain Caution
