Down to the Sea in Ships

This film is about whaling - so immediately there is a problem for contemporary audiences who find the practice abhorrent. But once you get beyond that you have to appreciate the bravery of the whalers, and of the actor Raymond McKee and the camera crew! The climactic whaling sequence appears to be completely genuine - with the star in the thick of the action. If there is any trick photography here it is well ahead of its time, because nothing looks phony at all. You really feel you are there on that little boat being pulled along by a giant sperm whale. How the shots were achieved I cannot imagine - the story of the making of this film must be fascinating.

Less spectacular is the love story that provides the plot framework for the whaling sequences. Marguerite Courtet, as the tragic Quaker heroine is completely up-staged by the frenetic energy of the 17 year old Clara Bow in her film debut. Clara is a delight - and reveals the charisma that would soon make her a legend. Raymond McKee is good in the lead and very handsome - and, as I said before, really put his life at risk.

The entire film, both on sea and land, is magnificently photographed, with great use of light and shadow, and very advanced camera movement. Elmer Clifton directs with a sure hand, and the result is a hugely entertaining and often spectacular epic.