The Sea Wolf 1941

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The Sea Wolf ★★★½ 1941

Jack London's adventure novel about brutal, canny Captain Wolf Larsen (Robinson), his rebellious crew, and some unexpected passengers. Knox and Lupino are shipwreck survivors, picked up by Robinson and forced into working aboard his ship, the aptly named “Ghost.” Crewman Garfield falls for Lupino and tries to rally his shipmates into resisting the meglomania cal Robinson. Fine performances by all, especially Robinson as the personification of malevolent ego. Screen debut of Knox. Director Curtiz filmed entirely in studio tanks, sets, and pervasive fog machines. Previously filmed three times; later re made as “Barricade” and “Wolf Larsen.” 90m/C VHS . Edward G. Robinson, Alexander Knox, John Garfield, Ida Lupino, Gene Lockhart, Barry Fitzgerald, Stanley Ridges, Francis McDonald, David Bruce, Howard da Silva, Frank Lackteen, Ralf Harolde; D: Michael Curtiz; W: Robert Rossen.