VHS : Captains Courageous [1937]

Rating: - One of the great movies of all time
This is a marvelous film. All the usual complinments apply to the writing,direction and of course the acting.

I love this film for the simplicity of the tale. The struggle of the boy to find his true charatacter beneath a bratish exterior. The nurturing of the boy by Spencer Tracy is of course from the tough love shcool of personal developement; it is touching nonetheless as Tracy finds himself deeply attached to and protective of the boy.

The life aboard one of these cod boats was harsh in the extreme. It provides an excellent environment to steel a lost young man to the realities of existence and the lost virtues of character. The fishing scenes and the exubarance of the crew after a good day are wonderful counterpoints to the trials of a fisherman.

Most of all the film reminds me of our humanity and of the unsentimental love we share- often in spite of our better judgement.

Do yourself a favour and get this now.

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Rating: - An old story that is never told better
A rich brat (Freddy Bartholomew) is dysfunctional due to his environment. There is always Sheryl Temple type stories of some kid being orphaned and mistreated. Luckily this is not one of those movies. Everyone except the kid has a full understanding of the problem and good solutions. The school authorities say that he has good potential, His father takes a direct interest and it was just unforeseen circumstances that changed his life. He falls off the ship and is rescued by a fisherman. He must stay on board for the duration of the season. This makes a natural environment to learn bonding and character.

It is not the outcome, but the process, which intrigues us and some unforgettable acting by Spencer Tracy.