Art Vandelay Talk, talk, philosophize, throw a punch, talk, philosophize, throw a punch, philosophize, talk some more. Good gawd this movie is tedious. Waste of a good performance by Robinson. He should have been in every scene. Instead we get a pointless Garfield, that simp writer, and the wimpering Lupinon. I also wanted to punch Barry Fitzgerald in the face for two reasons: that stupid Irish accent and, well, that stupid Irish accent.

DKosty123 Warner Brothers put together a fine film here from the Jack London novel about a rough tough Captain (Robinson) who is ready to rumble all the time with his crew. He has trouble getting crew because of his reputation. With script writer Robert Rossen adapting the novel, the film has a plenty good script. Rossen did The Roaring 20's before this one.Ida Lupino is the actress here and she is in love with john Garfield, who as George Leach signs on to this crew by accident and comes to regret it. Captain Larsen's ship is the "GHOST" out of San Francisco. There is plenty of action here with ship sinking a plenty. The film packs lots of punch and the fights and drinking sailors are just a perfect fit for the story. With people in support like Gene Lockhart and Barry Fitzgerald and Michael Curtiz directing, this is a very good film. Adventure and drama on the high seas, ahoy there, mates.

utgard14 First-rate film based on the Jack London novel about sadistic sea captain Wolf Larsen (Edward G. Robinson), who rules with an iron fist. His authority is challenged by the presence of three new people on his ship -- a writer (Alexander Knox) and two fugitives (Ida Lupino, John Garfield). A gripping drama with some truly brilliant character work from an extraordinary cast, led by the incomparable Edward G. Robinson. I first saw this movie many years ago and Robinson's intense performance made me a fan of his for life. Great work from Alexander Knox, John Garfield, Ida Lupino, Howard da Silva, and Gene Lockhart. Special mention for scene-stealing Barry Fitzgerald, who is clearly having a field day with his part. Michael Curtiz's atmospheric direction and Robert Rossen's wonderful script are also big pluses. This is a wonderful movie that any classic film fan should enjoy. Old Hollywood filmmaking at its finest.

ilbarone139 I have read all of Jack London's Book's. I understand why Screenwriters change certain scenes; and just as CLARK GABLE in "Call of the Wild" was perfection so was Edward G.Robinson is "Sea Wolf".. Even as unimpressive in Physical size (5'4"), depicting an TYRANT whose Crew are AFRAID; E.G.R. Commanded as if on a Stage. He alone made this motion picture stand out. The entire cast are actors whom honed their craft on stage. Barry Fitzgerald for once playing against his typecast angel, priest, Uncle roles as in "How Green was My Valley" and "The Quiet Man".. Here he is sinister,stool pigeon,creepy and he plays it to the Hilt.In an impromptu altercation with George (Garfield) character he strikes first and subsequently stabs George; whereupon Capt Wolf states to Dr Louie Prescott (Gene Lockhart) well do the transfusion already, Cookie already did the hard part. As an aside E.G.R., J.G. & Howard Da Silva are all Russian Jewish Ethnicity E.G.R. actual immigrant. Da Silva was Blacklisted by HUAC which although exonerated hurt his Career, and he had TREMENDOUS stage presence owing to his commanding voice. Alexander Knox as the writer in essence portrayed two roles both antagonist to Wolfe. Now Knox is the consummate Actor especially in biblical roles. He could read a phone book over the radio and be convincing in his role. Ida Lupino was under utilized here. A Great actress, director whom could play easy girls, sophisticated ladies, here she played both did not have much screen time to convey her worth. Another 'actor' was the ongoing FOG. Making this a great FILM NOIR. Direction was very good, as if these actors needed any. I am not a Garfield fan, although his emotion shined in this movie, in spite of his early wimpy performance in "Postman".Knox quoting to Wolf you are despicable and Rather REIGN in Hell than Serve in Heaven.. The last scene which differentiates from novel as writer shot by Captain; shows Wolf as water pouring in from all sides going down with the ship and he appears to accept same as his 'Way of Life'..