Captains Courageous (1937)

Director: Victor Fleming

Starring: Freddie Bartholomew, Spencer Tracy, Lionel Barrymore, Melvyn Douglas, Mickey Rooney, John Carradine

More info: IMDB

Tagline: The Most Exciting Picture Since "Mutiny On The Bounty"

Plot: Harvey Cheyne is a spoiled brat used to having his own way. When a prank goes wrong on board an ocean liner Harvey ends up overboard and nearly drowns. Fortunately he's picked up by a fishing boat just heading out for the season. He tries to bribe the crew into returning early to collect a reward but none of them believe him. Stranded on the boat he must adapt to the ways of the fishermen and learn more about the real world.

My rating: 8/10

Will I watch it again? Sure.


From the first few minutes, you want this kid, Harvey (Bartholomew), DEAD! But you don't just want him dead, you want him to suffer. He's one of those spoiled rich kids who's too smart for his own good. He's a liar and enjoys the suffering of those around him. He throws his father's power about and takes advantage of EVERYONE. This piece of shit does not deserve to breathe. But nearly two hours later, you would stand before anyone who would want to lay a hand on him. How the fuck did that happen?


A great script, director and cast. Bartholomew blew...me...away! I was beside myself. Fuck that SIXTH SENSE kid, FB's the real deal! The other highlight is the always fantastic, Spencer Tracy, but while he's doing some good work up there on that screen, he's playing his character of Manuel with broad strokes. He's basically channeling Chico Marx. It's when he's not being so flashy and when he has moments of venerability that you really see why he's so revered as one of the greatest actors to grace the screen. He grabs you...and deep. His final scenes with the kid will tear you to pieces.































At nearly two hours long you really feel like you were right there with them on their journey and it's worth it. If I hadn't seen it with my own two eyes I never would have believed this kid's acting chops. Most impressive.