Seven years before Botany Bay John Farrow and Alan Ladd combined in a far more successful sea tale. Even though both are period pieces and have a plot involving Ladd as an unwilling sailor who is abused by a tyrannical captain, it’s a far superior film. Farrow’s handling is more vigorous, and you get the feeling those involved were a lot more passionate about the story. Certainly, the story has a lot more point to it, being about the voyage that inspired the novel which led to the publication of Two Years Before the Mast, a book which shed light on poor conditions for sailors.
Farrow’s direction really shines in a few places – love the tracking shot just before the ship sails and there is an excellent below decks murder sequence and an exciting storm. The film is full of atmosphere and the cast of actors feel like a real crew – well, to be honest, I wouldn’t have a clue whether the expressions and details are authentic but they seem like a real group: Ladd is in good form in a rare period role (he plays a spoilt kid who learns about life – Ladd was still trying at this stage in his career and the role fits within his narrow range), Brian Donvlevy and Barry Fitzgerald are likeable as sea salts, the love interest is decently integrated, and William Bendix is strong in a complex role (a first mate loyal to his captain but whose sympathies eventually drift back to the sailors); best of all is Howard da Silva, an actor I’ve seen in a few films but have to admit never really noticed, who is electric as the driven captain (certainly no dyed in the wool villain). Oddly, the film tapers away as it goes on – the mutiny sequence at the end, which you think would be gold, isn’t very exciting. (And do they get off? The film never says.)
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