Adventure. The first film adaptation in the history of cinema of the novel of the same name by the famous French writer Jules Verne, staged by Soviet cinematographers in the year of the Great Victory. Already these words should be enough to give the picture a high rating even before viewing and after that enjoy exciting adventures. I have nothing to say for the book source itself, because I have not read it, so I will evaluate the picture as an independent work. And here's my brief opinion for you - The exciting adventures of a young captain. I will note right away that there are no shortcomings in the picture, and it could not have been initially, because we do not consider the technical limitations of the technologies of that time as a minus here, so we will focus on the magnificent advantages of this wonderful and outstanding movie. This concludes my traditional introduction, and I come to the point.
So, the advantages:
1. Scenario - the picture tells the story of the crew and passengers of the ship "Pilgrim" under the command of the young captain Dick Sand, who suffered severe trials, which they got into thanks to one scoundrel, but this did not prevent them from remaining human, and even in the harsh conditions of slave-owning Africa, they were able to overcome all difficulties, punish the scoundrel and to find something that was completely unexpected. Charismatic characters, vivid images (and this is provided that the movie is black and white!), well-developed dialogues, an interesting and exciting story, colorful scenery - all this is in this picture. There are certainly differences from the original source, because it is impossible to cram the whole book into such a small timekeeping (one hour and twenty minutes). It was interesting to follow what was happening, but you get into the characters. And if you like adventure pictures, then pay attention to this one.
2. Atmosphere - despite the fact that the picture was shot in Batumi, it still seems that we have New Zealand and mysterious Africa in front of us. Costumes, scenery, music - everything breathes an exciting adventure. The creators, with a minimum of funds, were able to immerse the viewer in the atmosphere of the second half of the nineteenth century, with its way of life and customs, although they also added a little ideology, which does not contradict the main idea of the original source at all. I observed a similar technique in another Soviet film adaptation of Jules Verne, namely in the 1936 film The Children of Captain Grant with the magnificent Nikolai Cherkasov in the title role.
3. Anti-slavery message - the creators revealed the topic of slavery quite well, especially in Africa, from where live goods were delivered both to the New World and to Europe and the colonies. One can see the insolence of slavers, both whites and blacks (which is even worse), the reluctant struggle with this phenomenon on the part of the authorities (who receive a decent share from this) and the hope of people for America, which was freed from slavery (albeit formally in 1807, but in fact only by the end of the nineteenth century). You can laugh, but for the people of that time it was hope, and for the sake of this hope people did the impossible. Moreover, Jules Verne himself, before writing his book, studied this issue and even placed the real slaver (Jose Antonio Alvarez) as one of the main scoundrels, and only slightly changed his true biography. In addition to abolitionism, the painting teaches courage, honor, devotion, and courage. It shows that one should not despair even in the most difficult situation, that there will always be the right solution, that loyal friends will definitely help.
4. Acting - the Soviet theater school is a great power that only Hollywood of its Golden Age can compete with, because then technology was not as developed as it is now, the scenery and costumes were minimalistic, and all the pictures were based mainly on dialogues and acting. It was impossible to play badly - otherwise they would be kicked out of the profession. Yes, they often overplayed it, but it's better than what we've been seeing for the last twenty years (especially in Russian cinema (either a stone face or a squealing pig)). It is not for nothing that the phrase of the scoundrel has become winged, although it is not in the original source.
And there is also some kind of sea romance in the picture, which is inherent in almost all film adaptations of famous adventure novels.
A little about the main characters:
1. Dick Sand performed by Vsevolod Larionov is a young assistant of the famous captain Gul, who by chance replaced him as captain of the ship "Pilgrim". Young, but a brave and skillful sailor, although he clearly lacks experience. In difficult moments of travel, he shows his best qualities and constantly takes risks in order to protect his crew and passengers from all kinds of troubles. For Vsevolod Larionov, this picture was his debut in a big movie, and already here he showed himself to be a good actor, and ahead was a serious career and no less famous roles. Bravo!
2. Captain Gul performed by Alexander Khvyl is the famous captain of the ship "Pilgrim", a famous sea wolf, an experienced whaler and generally a bright personality, who has become the personification of thousands of such captains who cannot live without the sea and adventures, with a constant pipe, a sonorous voice and a memorable appearance, whose role was perfectly performed by Alexander Leopoldovich! Bravo!
3. Negoro, performed by Mikhail Astangov, is a cook hired by Captain Gul on the Pilgrim, and turned out to be a scoundrel and a scoundrel who greatly spoils the life of the entire crew and passengers of the ship. A cunning and insidious scoundrel who does not inspire confidence at first sight. And his true identity causes all sorts of contempt. And this role was also perfectly performed by Mikhail Astangov. Bravo!
The rest of the actors also tried their best, especially Elena Izmailova (Mrs. Weldon, although I remember her from the role of Fraulein Teresa in the film "The Scout's Feat") and Weyland Rodd (Hercules).
I pay tribute to the Soviet cinematographers who, in the year of the Great Victory, found the time and resources to shoot this adventure picture, which has become a classic of Soviet cinema, and which looks good today. Although domestic publishers of discs should obviously re-release the picture in bly-ray format, and add additional materials there, and be sure to trim the picture (everything is fine with the sound), so that a new generation of viewers wants to get acquainted with this classic (but not to publish on blanks!).
As a result, we have a great film adaptation of the classic novel by Jules Verne, with a good script, good costumes and scenery, a great atmosphere, a good message, and great acting!
My rating is 9 out of 10 and my recommendation for viewing!
