The Cod theme continues in this classic film of Kiplings book

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14945 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-02-13
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 117 minutes

Synopsis
This Rudyard Kipling story is a family entertainment classic and one of the great films set on the high seas. Harvey Cheyne (Freddie Bartholomew), the spoiled son of a shipping magnate, falls overboard from a luxury liner and is picked up by a Nantucket fishing schooner. Aboard the schooner is a simple, honest, courageous Portuguese fisherman named Manuel, played expertly by Spencer Tracy in an Oscar-winning performance. Forced to earn his keep, Harvey's extended voyage and warm relationships with Manuel infuse him with a whole new set of life values.

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Customer Reviews

A film with a Real Heart
"Captains Courageous" made in 1937 was directed by Victor Fleming, and is based on the book of the same name written in 1897 by Rudyard Kipling. Both the book and the film have survived remarkably well and still seem fresh today. It is one of the earlier examples of the coming of age films, and is still arguably the finest.

The film concerns the story of 15 year old Harvey Cheyne, the spoilt son of an often absent business tycoon father played by Melvyn Douglas. The boy due to over indulgence on the Fathers side, is a rude inconsiderate individual who cares for no one but himself. But all this changes dramatically when he falls overboard from a cruise ship into the Atlantic near the rich fishing waters of the Grand Banks. He is fortunate to be picked up by Manuel, played by Spencer Tracy a fisherman of Portuguese descent from the fishing boat "We're Here", captained by the wily old veteran Disko Troop played by Lionel Barrymore, in one of his most colourful roles. Harvey soon finds that all his money is of no use whatsoever on the boat and he is unable to persuade the Captain to return to port. He eventually has to work long hours and toil hard for his keep in a low paid job. Harvey also has to learn a few hard knocks in a sharp learning curve, but gradually he earns the grudging repect of the crew and is accepted into their hard bitten fraternity. He becomes great friends with Manuel as they fish the dangerous waters for halibut, and he is grief stricken when Manuel tragically dies at sea. On return to shore his Father finds the spoilt brat has changed to a considerate, mature young man who places high value on his new found cameraderie.

The film has a wonderful cast that also includes John Carradine as a crew member who Harvey struggles to win over. Spencer Tracy won the academy award for best actor in his role. His fair hair was darkened and his piercing blue eyes were not detectable in black and white so he was able to plausibly play a man of Portuguese descent. The film is also a fitting tribute to the many fishermen who have lost their lives on the ocean going "down to the sea in ships". The final scenes in the church are a fitting tribute to these brave people.

The film is a good morality fable. Money is certainly not everything as Harvey finds out. We are shown that there are far more important things in life. A good reputation is worth more than gold or silver. Perhaps we too should think of others before ourselves, as the crew demonstrated. I would happily have thrown all my three children into the ocean if I knew they would have been picked up by the gallant crew of the "Were Here". I would thoroughly recommend this film which has a real heart.

An old story that is never told better
A rich brat (Freddy Bartholomew) is dysfunctional due to his environment. There is always Sheryl Temple type stories of some kid being orphaned and mistreated. Luckily this is not one of those movies. Everyone except the kid has a full understanding of the problem and good solutions. The school authorities say that he has good potential, His father takes a direct interest and it was just unforeseen circumstances that changed his life. He falls off the ship and is rescued by a fisherman. He must stay on board for the duration of the season. This makes a natural environment to learn bonding and character.

It is not the outcome, but the process, which intrigues us and some unforgettable acting by Spencer Tracy.

Miscasting
Most of my 300 DVDs herald from the Golden Age of cinema, and I am huge fan of Spencer Tracy but this film does not cut the mustard. Tracy is, sadly, miscast as the Spanish sailor who takes pity on young Master Bartholomew. The sentimental story is a good one and this film received many plaudits, but I cannot share their enthusiasm. To be frank, it is one of those films whose datedness outweighs its charms, and just because it old does not make it good. When it's a bargain give it a go, just to see how Tracy developed as an actor throughout his career, but don't pay big bucks.