Captains Courageous

For a wrinkle in time, Freddie Bartholomew's career appeared to be on the fast-track to forever immortality. Alas, it didn't last. But while it was hot, he gave us some truly memorable performances - among them, this one in a picture about a spoiled kid who grows up fast in the company of real men. Casting is superb and production values are of the usual MGM gloss that only MGM could afford.

But it's the casting of Spencer Tracy as the Portuguese fisherman, Manuel, that packs an unlikely sentimental wallop. Reportedly, Joan Crawford, seeing Tracy in full regalia with curly locks, sarcastically muttered, "Oh my God. It's Harpo Marx!"

But this is a heart-wrenching coming-of-age drama that really cuts to the heart of that juncture when boys grow into men and the sobering realities of life intrude on those blissfully obtuse, 'happy' days of childhood. Supporting cast includes Lionel Barrymore, John Carradine and Mickey Rooney.

WAC'S new-to-blu is a tad disappointing, in that certain scenes still seem softer than anticipated and with slightly anemic contrast. These are intermittent limitations, however, on an otherwise, mostly flawless presentation of an exceptional movie that should be shown to children everywhere.

If ever a film tugged on the heartstrings, it was the magnificent Captains Courageous, for which Spencer Tracy justly won his first Oscar. He's wonderful, but then the whole cast is - Freddie Bartholomew, Lionel Barrymore, Mickey Rooney, Melvyn Douglas. It's been a long time coming, but this Blu-ray looks marvellous. Boys Town next please, Warner Archive!

MGM's 1937 version of Captains Courageous is a truly fabulous movie. It is a movie that I have loved ever since I saw it when I was 9 years old.

Spencer Tracy plays fisherman Manuel, in what would have to be one of his greatest performances in a career that was filled with many outstanding performances. Freddie Bartholomew is perfectly cast as the spoilt brat. Yes, he was typecast during his career but this is one of his more memorable performances. The final scene is one that will stay with you for life.

The visual and audio restoration is truly stunning. The black and white cinematography looks gorgeous. This movie has never looked better. Another outstanding release from Warner Archive.