Reminiscent of Conrad, although he wouldn't have lowered himself to the silly plot about feline, lynx-eyed young Elsa Martinelli masquerading as a boy in the title role; a disguise that even a drink-sozzled Trevor Howard isn't fooled by.
Pedro Armendariz seems initially to be shaping up as the film's lead but Howard soon takes over and gives the performance that dominates the film, particularly effective in face of Armendariz's overcacting; which his shaven head makes seem even broader.
The scenes aboard ship have certain rugged realism, William Alwyn's plaintive score adds to the atmosphere. Among the supporting cast Donald Pleasance sports an acceptable Welsh accent as Howard's sanctimonious, bible-quoting first officer; while in the last minutes Michael Peake has a sinister cameo, made all the creepier from the fact that he never says a word.
Pedro Armendariz seems initially to be shaping up as the film's lead but Howard soon takes over and gives the performance that dominates the film, particularly effective in face of Armendariz's overcacting; which his shaven head makes seem even broader.
The scenes aboard ship have certain rugged realism, William Alwyn's plaintive score adds to the atmosphere. Among the supporting cast Donald Pleasance sports an acceptable Welsh accent as Howard's sanctimonious, bible-quoting first officer; while in the last minutes Michael Peake has a sinister cameo, made all the creepier from the fact that he never says a word.