Vigías del mar

This amaing little adventure movie already shows us the skills of the future director of WAKE OF THE RED WITCH, JIVARO, CARIBBEAN or FLAME OF THE ISLANDS. It is so impressive , even now in 2023, the special effects are astounding, so imagine back in 1939. It's only such a shame that the screenplay is so lousy, nearly comedy oriented, at least very light hearted. So, please, if you try this one, do it ONLY for the special effects. Forget the rest. Even Randolph Scott in his early days of career is not wirth the watch. He is like wine, the older vintage the better it is.... It is an obvious tribute to the US coast Guards.

The fifth (5th) service is featured in this 1939 effort from Columbia Pictures, the COAST GUARD. This is the one that is constantly on patrol in the air and/or sea to safeguard those who underestimate the dangers on the water. In war it falls under the command of the U.S.N. and has proved just as effective at deterring our enemies.

COAST GUARD features a typical love triangle featured in the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood. Used constantly in both 'A' or 'B' efforts like this. The objective, Nancy Bliss (Frances Dee) attractive Grand-Daughter of Tobias Bliss (Walter Connelly). Whose Ship is in distress and rescued by Lt. Raymond 'Ray' Dower (Ralph Bellemy). Enter Thomas 'Speed' Bradshaw (Randolf Scott) and his side-kick O'Hara (Warren Hymer). Represnting the more glamorous Air branch of the service.

Now as expected 'Ray' does not stand a chance against 'Speed', Nancy quickly setting her cap for him and succeeding in marriage. 'Speed' though cannot break old habits which leads to a estrangement. Fear not, a improbable Artic Rescue of 'Ray' allows true love to triumph in the end, with the couple reunited.

Poor Ralph Bellemy, he started off strong with RKO in the early 1930s, but even then, when it came to getting the girl he struck out. If it was not Bruce Cabot or Gary Grant it was somebody else. This was one of the last roles for Walter Connolly who a year later would die (05/28/1940). Warren Hymer's career was spiraling down and he to would go just nine years later (03/25/1948). Bellemy, Dee and Scott would continue on for another two Decades or more.

Coast Guard (1939)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Typical love triangle about Coast Guard friends Thomas (Randolph Scott) and Raymond (Ralph Bellamy) who have a falling out once Ray falls in love with Nancy (Frances Dee) but of course she prefers Thomas. The two become rivals but they must put that behind them when Ray goes missing in the Alaskian wilderness. COAST GUARD follows pretty much every cliché that you'd find in this type of film but thankfully the cast is terrific and we're given some wonderful visuals as well. Again, if you've seen any love triangle picture from this era then you're not going to see anything new or original here. In fact, the entire love story plays out just as you'd expect it to but I must say that the screenplay didn't do any favors to the Nancy character. During the opening scene she's a sweetheart falling for Ray. The next scene she's a cold-hearted woman going with Thomas. Then, when Ray is in danger, she's back to the sweetheart so the screenplay would have done better to keep her at one level or another. Still, the main reason to watch this is for the performances with Scott coming across extremely fun and especially early on when he plays the womanizer. The scenes of him doing whatever it takes to flirt with some nurses was quite funny but of course he's also believable once the action starts to take place. Bellamy is reliable as always but man this guy can't catch a break with the women. Dee is also good in her supporting part as is Walter Connolly in his small role. The film also offers up a couple terrific rescue scenes. The first happens during a violent storm at sea and the second is the climax during the rescue in Alaska. Both of them are quite exciting and well-shot considering the film had a low budget.