Film Review
Rarely seen and all too easily often overlooked,
Seas
Beneath is one of the few films from John Ford's early career at Fox Studios to
have survived intact. One of the first maritime war films, this
ambitious production would influence later films in the genre and presages Ford's
subsequent action films, particularly his westerns (
My Darling Clementine,
Rio Grande).
Whilst the film is dated - mainly by its painfully long static shots and some
clunky editing - it is a compelling piece which clearly bears the
hallmark of its director, notably Ford's respect for character and the
use of stark images, rather than reams of dialogue, to express a
point, such as the brutality of warfare.
In common with many of Ford's films of this period, the influence of German
expressionism can be felt, particularly in the nocturnal location sequences.
George O'Brien is appropriately cast as the tough but likeable naval
commander, bringing both realism and humanity to the film. Marion
Lessing is less impressive and soon becomes grating as
her lack of acting talent is revealed. The supporting roles
are generally well-played, with a realism that is particularly
appropriate for a serious war film of this kind. (That said, Ford
does occasionally take time out to slip in a bit of comedy, something
that adds to the film's authenticity and charm.)
The languorous pace of the film is made up for by the exciting naval
skirmish at the end of the film, which is classic Ford, a suitably
dramatic conclusion in which the resourcefulness and courage of men
working as a team prevail against ridiculous odds. Whilst it may not be
one of Ford's masterpieces,
Seas
Beneath offers a tantalising glimpse of the director's
potential, potential which would be amply fulfilled over the next two
decades of his long career.
© James Travers 2010
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Next John Ford film:
The Informer (1935)
Film Synopsis
In the summer of 1918, U.S. Navy Commander Bob Kingsley is given a
special assignment: to pilot what appears to be an ordinary
schooner into an area off the coast of Gibraltar that is patrolled by
German U-boats. The boat is not what it seems; it is equipped
with a powerful gun that is intended to sink enemy submarines.
Whilst his crew enjoy a few hours' shore leave, Kingsley amuses himself
with an attractive young woman named Anna-Marie, not realising that she is a
German informant. One of Kingsley's young officers, Ensign
Cabot, also flirts with a local Spanish woman, but when she gets him
drunk he reveals details about his mission. Baron Ernst von
Steuben, the commander of the German submarine U-172, soon realises that
Kingsley's boat is an American naval vessel in disguise and gives the
order for it to be destroyed...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.