The Old Man And The Sea (1958): Starring Spencer Tracey, Felipe Pazos, Harry Bellaver, Don Diamond, Don Blackman, Joey Ray, Mary Hemingway, Robert Alderette, Mauritz Hugo, Don Alvarado, Richard Alameda....Director John Sturges..
Released in 1958 at a time when audiences were more than familiar with Ernest Hemingway's masterpiece "The Old Man And The Sea"- a simple, short story layered with complex symbolism about man vs nature - this film by director John Sturges is a beautiful homage to Hemingway's story. There is much to admire about this film even the fact it drags on and seems rather long and boring, especially because there is much voice-over narration and little dialog. An older Spencer Tracey, in the beginning of the last phase of his long career before his death in 1969, portrays the eponymous Old Man, Santiago while also providing the voice-over narration. Filmed in gorgeous color (in the late 50's mainstream films were in color, independent, art-house or lesser quality films were in black and white) this is a wonderful film and would be terrific for viewing in junior high or high school English classes that read the short novel first and compare it to the film afterward. In truth, the film follows the Hemingway story faithfully, save for a few additional changes in the narration written by Peter Viertel. The decidedly masculine performance by Spencer Tracey is outstanding. He was able to get into character so vividly that even Hemingway would have been satisfied. Everything from his attempt at a Spanish accent to the sheer physicality of the role is right on target. For an older man, Tracey is surprisingly vigorous and fit for the part which calls for physical strength. This way, Tracey magnificently represents the spirit of the Hemingway hero. The narration borders on poetry and it is complimented by the beautiful color cinematography. "La Mar" the sea, in its passive and powerful moods, is beautifully depicted in long shots of the ocean. Sunsets, twilight, clouds, birds, flying fish, boats and the Cuban village - everything just like in the novel. The little boy Manolito (Felipe Pazos) is delivering a fine job but its clear this is Spencer Tracey's vehicle, as if to get Oscar attention. The film was not very successful and it seems it was of special interest to fans of Hemingway or of Spencer but this movie is highly underrated and under-appreciated. It's a fine film overall.
Released in 1958 at a time when audiences were more than familiar with Ernest Hemingway's masterpiece "The Old Man And The Sea"- a simple, short story layered with complex symbolism about man vs nature - this film by director John Sturges is a beautiful homage to Hemingway's story. There is much to admire about this film even the fact it drags on and seems rather long and boring, especially because there is much voice-over narration and little dialog. An older Spencer Tracey, in the beginning of the last phase of his long career before his death in 1969, portrays the eponymous Old Man, Santiago while also providing the voice-over narration. Filmed in gorgeous color (in the late 50's mainstream films were in color, independent, art-house or lesser quality films were in black and white) this is a wonderful film and would be terrific for viewing in junior high or high school English classes that read the short novel first and compare it to the film afterward. In truth, the film follows the Hemingway story faithfully, save for a few additional changes in the narration written by Peter Viertel. The decidedly masculine performance by Spencer Tracey is outstanding. He was able to get into character so vividly that even Hemingway would have been satisfied. Everything from his attempt at a Spanish accent to the sheer physicality of the role is right on target. For an older man, Tracey is surprisingly vigorous and fit for the part which calls for physical strength. This way, Tracey magnificently represents the spirit of the Hemingway hero. The narration borders on poetry and it is complimented by the beautiful color cinematography. "La Mar" the sea, in its passive and powerful moods, is beautifully depicted in long shots of the ocean. Sunsets, twilight, clouds, birds, flying fish, boats and the Cuban village - everything just like in the novel. The little boy Manolito (Felipe Pazos) is delivering a fine job but its clear this is Spencer Tracey's vehicle, as if to get Oscar attention. The film was not very successful and it seems it was of special interest to fans of Hemingway or of Spencer but this movie is highly underrated and under-appreciated. It's a fine film overall.