As a child in the '50s and '60s, I remember seeing several films that have stayed favorites of mine to this day.
Obviously, the films were viewed on black and white television and were butchered to heck for commercials but I didn't know any better and was charmed just the same. Along with Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, and The Adventures of Robin Hood starring the inimitable Errol Flynn, I had The Three Musketeers starring Gene Kelly, and a pair of sea stories to fuel my imagination: Treasure Island and the subject of this review Captains Courageous.
As I grew older, videotapes became available and I eagerly collected all my old favorites. It is much more rewarding to watch a film in its entirety than to watch it constantly interrupted by commercials.
Directed by Victor Fleming, Captains Courageous stars one of the big child stars of the '30s, Freddie Bartholomew, as a hateful rich brat who is spoiled almost past redemption by his indulgent father.
Harvey Cheyne (Bartholomew) learns early-on how to manipulate people using bribes and blackmail. He is finally expelled from school for trying to bribe his teacher. His father, an often-absent business tycoon (Melvyn Douglas) decides to take Harvey to Europe while the suspension is in effect. Aboard ship Harvey is again left to his own devices and he seeks to impress a group of youngsters by drinking half a dozen ice cream sodas. Queasy after his "feat," Harvey accidentally falls overboard without anyone noticing. A fisherman in a dory happens to be passing and fishes Harvey out.
Harvey, half-drowned is brought aboard the We're Here, a fishing schooner out of Gloucester, Massachusetts. When Harvey comes to he learns he was rescued by Manuel, (Spencer Tracy) an immigrant fisherman of Portuguese descent. Far from being grateful, Harvey throws his weight around demanding to see the captain. Captain Disko Troop (Lionel Barrymore) patiently explains that they are out on the Grand Banks until their hold is full of salt fish, probably three months hence. This creates an impasse for a moment, however, the captain gives Harvey a good cuff and sends him to work for his food. Harvey refuses to work so the captain assigns him to Manuel, who begins to regret that he saved the troublesome boy. Manuel finally takes Harvey by the hands and picks up a fish head, casting it overboard. Now, he sends the proud but hungry brat below to eat since he has "worked." Through exposure to the honest hardworking fishermen, Harvey becomes a bit more tractable and begins to assist the cook in the galley. During the off times he joins Manuel for a round of song, accompanied by Manuel's hurdy-gurdy. Harvey begins to realize a relationship with Manuel that he never had with his father. But there are more lessons that the young boy must learn before he returns to dry land… I will leave the rest of the story to your viewing pleasure when you see Captains Courageous for yourself, which I highly recommend.
Captains Courageous was made during the MGM golden years when so many classic films were made, including David Copperfield and A Tale of Two Cities. As such, the production values are flawless. Director Victor Fleming was the perfect choice for this story that emphasizes the eternal, restless sea. Fleming also directed Treasure Island another of my perennial MGM favorites.
The well-done script is adapted from Rudyard Kipling's novel by a battery of writers.
The cast is impeccable, with the great Lionel Barrymore, Melvyn Douglas, Mickey Rooney, Charley Grapewin, and John Carradine supporting Spencer Tracy and Freddie Bartholomew, who were absolutely wonderful in their roles. Tracy had his hair curled for the part and had to sing to the accompaniment of the hurdy-gurdy. For his efforts, Tracy earned the Best Actor Oscar. One can readily see that the honest warmth and well-rounded portrayal that Tracy brought to the humble Manuel made him an excellent choice for the Oscar.
Cinematography, sets, and film editing are to the typical high standard set by MGM during the '30s.
Captains Courageous is a film the whole family will enjoy. It is a story that explores the possibility of redemption and will leave every viewer with much food for thought. Five stars.
Recommended:
Yes
Viewing Format: VHS Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
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