Captains Courageous

This version of the classic Kipling novel takes a kinder, gentler approach to Harvey's dilemma at sea.

Its very different from the much more famous Spencer Tracy vehicle, for in this version Captain Disco takes the reigns of the teacher/mentor of the fated hard-headed Harvey. Karl Malden is a soft turn compared to the rough and scramble Lionel Barrymore.

Its obvious that this version is a TV offering because of the sound quality and overall feel but it makes up for any lesser quality with its sincerity and attention to detail. We get to see more of how a ship works in this one.

Manuel is played intelligently by Ricardo Montalban (I bought this right after his death) but instead of being Harvey's main teacher, he's just part of the crew. But that might be part of the charm of this film, the entire crew adopts Harvey as their own and the sharper edged individuals from the earlier film, Long Jack with a sincere dislike for Harvey and Captain Disko, who takes no crap from a mouthy and surly youngin', and we get a more genteel telling of the classic novel.

Harvey is played brightly by Jonathan Kahn, but one cannot help but to compare his efforts with Freddie's from 40 years before.

A worthy offering for they compromised not at all.