Review of Captains Courageous (1937) by Michael A — 10 Apr 2010
When I first realized that Tracy was to play a Portuguese fisherman, I thought oh no, but pardon me for doubting. He managed to create a fully dimensioned man of the sea. You never see Tracy acting, he just becomes. Victor Fleming does a wonderful job directing and the supporting cast really add to a true sense of life at sea. This is a coming of age tale, but no less an ode to the fisherman. I loved the sailor lingo and Manuel's songs on deck. It nets a subtle charm of the rugged, but free life, full of joy at living that is rarely caught in film or book.
The story is simple; a brat learns what it is to be a good person. But the writing and life lesson parables are always given complete focus and respect by Fleming. The magical performance by Spencer Tracy is what turns this simple guppy of a tale into a whopper.
This review of Captains Courageous (1937) was written by Michael A on 10 Apr 2010.
Captains Courageous has generally received very positive reviews.
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