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Violence and Humiliation, Aug 31 2002
Edward G. Robinson gives one of his most vivid characterizations as Wolf Larsen, captain of the "Ghost". Robinson is hated by his entire crew, since he employs violence and humiliation to keep the men in line. Among the crew is fugitive John Garfield, who fits right in since most of the crew is made up of society's losers. Writer Alexander Knox and convict Ida Lupino are also taken aboard and they also fall victim to Robinson's cruel ways. The only way out seems to be escape or death. Garfield and Lupino are intense as usual and well-matched, although their relationship develops quicker than the story gives it time to grow. Knox is convincing as the intellectual writer who analyzes the captain and also learns about himself under extreme conditions, but he doesn't have much screen presence. Supporting players Gene Lockhart and Barry Fitzgerald have some excellent moments, with Fitzgerald a particular surprise, cast against type as one of the ship's most disagreeable characters. But it's Robinson who towers above everyone else as the cunning, cruel Wolf Larsen, one of his best performances. Director Michael Curtiz keeps the suspense up, giving the film a dark, disturbing quality. The script is literate, the music effective, and the characters are well drawn and performed. It's a very solid film.
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JACK LONDON CLASSIC., Jul 9 2002
Jack London's exciting tale of the sea and of the nefarious Captain Wolf Larsen makes for a riveting, atmospheric high-seas adventure. Adapted for the screen by Robert Rossen, the story plots the course of three civilians who find themselves on board the aptly-named turn-of-the-century schooner "Ghost" helmed by the tyrannical Larsen. Edward G. Robinson, in a dynamic and complex portrayal, plays the hardened captain who finds it's "better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven". As the newest members of this "hell ship", a lovely Ida Lupino and a handsome John Garfield are both fugitives from the law; and Alexander Knox is the idealistic writer forced to face the barbaric side of human nature. Gene Lockhart does well as the drunken ship's doctor and Barry Fitzgerald is especially memorable in a surprisingly effective and offbeat characterisation as the vile cockney cook with an annoyingly sardonic laugh. This rather underrated film which was directed by the notoriously tyrannical Hungarian Michael Curtiz is definitely worth viewing: THE SEA WOLF remains a rip-roaring action film which gives berth to both high adventure and intelligent characterisations - a classic of its kind.
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Florid Melodrama, May 28 2001
A script by Robert Rossen is only one reason to see this film. E.G. Robinson delivers a forcefull performance as Wolf Larson. Aboard for the ride are a young Ida Lupino, John Garfield, Alexander Knox, Gene Lockhart and Barry Fitzgerald. There are a handfull of actors who we dont mind if they soemtimes give an "over the top" performance because the viewer knows how much into the character that actor is.Robinson was one of these actors ( Laughton, O, Brien etc) . In addition, Mr. Garfield never gave a mediocre performance in any of his films so you know that you can take your eyes off him when he is in frame. Even more, Garfields modulated voice made his characters more real than most. Jack London via Michael Curtiz ..and thats pretty good .
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