Wolf Larsen, the captain of the schooner, The Ghost, is a hard man to get to know. His ship is notorious for the bad atmosphere on board, no one in his right mind cherish the idea of serving under Larsen, whose reputation is legendary around San Francisco, or the different ports where his fame precedes him. As we come to the story, an agent at a saloon is trying to recruit sailors for Capt. Larsen's next voyage, something not many want to even consider. George Leach, a young sailor, who is trying to hide from the police, is approached, but he realizes the barman has tried to put something in his drink so that he can be taken against his will. Eventually, Leach is taken under false pretense to The Ghost, the ship he tried to avoid.
During a ferry crossing to San Francisco, in heavy fog, Ruth Webster, who is being hunted by the police; she is trying to avoid being taken to jail. She spots an easy target in Humphrey Van Weyden, an innocent passenger, whom she chooses to help her pretend she is someone else. As fate would have it, when the police are interrogating them, the ferry is struck by a vessel and sent to the ocean, where they are rescued by The Ghost.
Things on board the schooner are tense. Larsen realizes Leach is a formidable opponent. Ruth, who has been ill after her rescue, is treated by Dr. Prescott, a drunk down on his luck. Ruth needs a blood transfusion, something that is dangerous under the circumstances. Leach, who has been wounded by Cooky, a crewman, is volunteered to donate his blood, something that saves Ruth's life.
As things tense up on the ship, Leach figures a way to escape in a dinghy. Van Weyden has discovered the captain has serious health problems, siding with Leach and Ruth in their attempt to flee the danger they face. Their attempt to escape is seriously damaged when they discover the provisions they took were tainted by Larsen. Returning to the vessel, that was severely damaged in an encounter with Larsen's brother, they find the captain in a vengeful mood; all he wants is to have these people go down with him as the ship sinks.
Jack London's novels will always be enjoyed by readers of all ages. His tales of the sea created a gender that was imitated, but never surpassed, as is the case with "The Sea Wolf". The film, directed by Michael Curtiz, a year before his masterpiece, "Casablanca". It was a big success because it combined adventure, as well as suspense and crime. One of the best achievements was the amazing use of special effects, at a time when films had a distinctive narrative and did not have to resort to what became a trend toward the last part of the XX century. Sam Polito, the talented cinematographer, does an outstanding job with his black and white photography. The music is by Eric Korngold.
The strength of the picture lies on the excellent cast that was put together. Edward G. Robinson, a wonderful actor, is seen at one of the best points of his distinguished film career. Ida Lupino, an intelligent actress, does wonders with her Ruth Webster. The actress was a welcome addition to any of the films in which she graced. John Garfield is good as George Leach, and Barry Fitzgerald, does a nice turn as Cooky. Veteran character actor Gene Lockhart is perfect as Dr. Prescott.
During a ferry crossing to San Francisco, in heavy fog, Ruth Webster, who is being hunted by the police; she is trying to avoid being taken to jail. She spots an easy target in Humphrey Van Weyden, an innocent passenger, whom she chooses to help her pretend she is someone else. As fate would have it, when the police are interrogating them, the ferry is struck by a vessel and sent to the ocean, where they are rescued by The Ghost.
Things on board the schooner are tense. Larsen realizes Leach is a formidable opponent. Ruth, who has been ill after her rescue, is treated by Dr. Prescott, a drunk down on his luck. Ruth needs a blood transfusion, something that is dangerous under the circumstances. Leach, who has been wounded by Cooky, a crewman, is volunteered to donate his blood, something that saves Ruth's life.
As things tense up on the ship, Leach figures a way to escape in a dinghy. Van Weyden has discovered the captain has serious health problems, siding with Leach and Ruth in their attempt to flee the danger they face. Their attempt to escape is seriously damaged when they discover the provisions they took were tainted by Larsen. Returning to the vessel, that was severely damaged in an encounter with Larsen's brother, they find the captain in a vengeful mood; all he wants is to have these people go down with him as the ship sinks.
Jack London's novels will always be enjoyed by readers of all ages. His tales of the sea created a gender that was imitated, but never surpassed, as is the case with "The Sea Wolf". The film, directed by Michael Curtiz, a year before his masterpiece, "Casablanca". It was a big success because it combined adventure, as well as suspense and crime. One of the best achievements was the amazing use of special effects, at a time when films had a distinctive narrative and did not have to resort to what became a trend toward the last part of the XX century. Sam Polito, the talented cinematographer, does an outstanding job with his black and white photography. The music is by Eric Korngold.
The strength of the picture lies on the excellent cast that was put together. Edward G. Robinson, a wonderful actor, is seen at one of the best points of his distinguished film career. Ida Lupino, an intelligent actress, does wonders with her Ruth Webster. The actress was a welcome addition to any of the films in which she graced. John Garfield is good as George Leach, and Barry Fitzgerald, does a nice turn as Cooky. Veteran character actor Gene Lockhart is perfect as Dr. Prescott.