If you've been spoiled by the 1960 Disney version (and its many liberties with the book), this is pretty weak tea. Despite a few action scenes, it feels old-fashioned even for 1940. The fully grown Freddie Bartholomew is a standout, but without strong direction or script, even the wonderful Thomas Mitchell seems adrift.
As the mother, Edna Best is primarily a drag, spending most of the film complaining or fretting, while Disney's Dorothy McGuire was heaving coconut bombs at pirates.
As the mother, Edna Best is primarily a drag, spending most of the film complaining or fretting, while Disney's Dorothy McGuire was heaving coconut bombs at pirates.