The Sea Wolf (1941)

Wow! Such a good movie.

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Blistering performances.

"The Sea Wolf" is an old favourite of mine. It was the first time I saw a film with Edward G. Robinson and John Garfield. They both give the best performances here but Ida Lupino and Alexander Knox do well also. It is those four actors who are the most relevant. The film is a reasonably faithful adaptation of the popular novel. The setting, the characters all resemble something from the book. Wolf Larson shall stand as one of the crowning achievements in the distinguished career of Edward G. Robinson. He was finally being offered films from "Warner Bros" that were worthy of his talents between 1938 and 1942. He plays Larson as a truly sadistic, evil, determined but also highly intelligent character. John Garfield is very effective as a hard-edged character who comes to show his more humane side, courtesy of Ida Lupino. She is the only female member of the cast as a fugitive from justice. Lupino doesn't properly come into the film for quite a while. However, once she does, her character is a vital part of the story. I enjoy the scenes between Robinson and Knox as they discuss literature and Larson's biography being written. The set that was used for the ship in question, looks suitably creepy and eerie. I can picture all sorts happening in such a nightmarish setting. Michael Curtiz again puts his stamp upon "The Sea Wolf" with some of the best work of his career. There is some action but it is the suspense and the tension that makes this film stand out. One of the best films from 1941.

No doubt this film is perfectly watchable, mostly due to its relatively short running time, but yet is a very flawed film. The character's development is very shallow, and definitely it lacked depth to explain the supposed 'love triangle'. There is also no explanation of the why the 'brother' was chasing the villain. Even if there is a deep symbolism on it, still does not make any sense. The captain was a very despicable being, but i didn't understand why the prisoners were waiting him to became blind. They were the majority against one. It didn't make sense, and neither the sacrifice of the protagonist in the end as well. I did understand he loved the woman, but i don't understand why he loved her. Didn't make sense. There is no hint in the film that their relationship was even convincing, to be sincere. The special effects were good for the age, i think. Good use of fogs. The fact that it's a black and white film also helped in that aspect. A watchable film. 5.6/10

Intensely atmospheric and well-crafted adaptation of Jack London's famous novel featuring a strong cast starring Edward G. Robinson in one of his greatest roles, wonderful black-and-white photography and an absorbing and fast-moving (though maybe a bit too condensed) storyline.Some narrative weaknesses here and there - what about Larsen's brother? - and some hasty character development prevent this solid movie from being a minor Warner classic.Still the best version of London's story as far as I know and miles ahead of Raimund Harmstorf's potato crushing.7 out of 10 foggy days at sea

Sea Wolf, The (1941) **** (out of 4) The never given his due Michael Curtiz directs this terrific adaptation of Jack London's story about a evil Captain (Edward G. Robinson) who meets his match with three new members aboard his ship. You've got a writer (Alexander Knox) and two fugitives (John Garfield, Ida Lupino) who start to see through the sadistic Captain. This is a terrific little adventure film from Warner that really packs a punch in various departments. Curtiz handles the story and action very well and it's rather amazing that to this day he's never really gotten the credit that he deserves. I think it's due to the fact that he was a director for hire but just look at how many great films he delivered in so many genres. The greatest thing in the film are the wonderful performances from the four leads as well as the supporting players including Barry Fitzgerald and Gene Lockhart. Robinson gives one of his greatest performances making you hate the Captain with a passion but at the same time feeling sorry for him. Garfield is very powerful in his role and Lupino is terrific as well.