Harry Baur (Mollenard) is commander of a ship that is profiteering from the smuggling of arms and he has a loyal crew headed by first mate Albert Prejean (Kerrotret). Their loyalty to him is blind with a nod to homosexual adoration. We've all heard of the expression "Hello sailor!" and understand its inference. This mob are tough, though, and they are always at the ready to fight. No mincing around for these guys. The one softer addition to the crew - musician Marcel Dalio (Happy Jones) - is given rough treatment as he is an informer and double crosser. Trust the French to give the soft cast member an English name - ha ha! They really have a chip on their shoulders.
The film is in 2 separate stages - the gangster world and intrigue of the 1st half of the film set against the more domesticated drama-driven world of the 2nd half where there is a good cat-and-mouse power battle between Baur and his socially aspiring wife Gabrielle Dorziat, both of whom hate one another. It makes for some funny moments. The 2nd half just veers off and loses its zip somewhere along the line. However, Baur will be very happy with his final moments and send-off.
It is sad to read that 2 of the cast were to lose their lives to the Nazis - one tortured and another executed.
The film is in 2 separate stages - the gangster world and intrigue of the 1st half of the film set against the more domesticated drama-driven world of the 2nd half where there is a good cat-and-mouse power battle between Baur and his socially aspiring wife Gabrielle Dorziat, both of whom hate one another. It makes for some funny moments. The 2nd half just veers off and loses its zip somewhere along the line. However, Baur will be very happy with his final moments and send-off.
It is sad to read that 2 of the cast were to lose their lives to the Nazis - one tortured and another executed.