Styrmand Karlsen is a comedic adventure filled with good songs and cheerful moments, but its enjoyment is marred by several offensive scenes, such as blackface, that do not hold up well in today's context. While the film features talented actors and showcases their abilities, there are better comedies in their filmography that deserve more attention.
The story follows retired Captain Hammer (Johannes Meyer), who is hired by shipowner J. C. Lemborg (Emil Hass Christensen) to sail the "Høegh Belle," one of his ships, to an island off the coast of Africa where Hammer had run aground ten years earlier. He had brought back a stone that turned out to contain uranium. Hammer recruits Knud Karlsen (Frits Helmuth) as the first mate, Bøgelund (Dirch Passer) as the ship's cook, and Olsen (Ove Sprogøe) as the sailor. Lemborg's unruly son, Robert (Ebbe Langberg), is also sent on the journey. Robert had been involved with Karlsen's girlfriend, Anne Marie Bøgelund (Ghita Nørby), resulting in consequences. The spoiled Robert faces a tough time onboard, and when Karlsen learns that Robert is the father of Anne Marie's child, a confrontation ensues.
While Styrmand Karlsen offers a lively and adventurous experience, it falls short due to the inclusion of offensive scenes, notably the blackface portrayal. These scenes not only detract from the film's ability to be enjoyed but also undermine its overall quality. It is essential to acknowledge and address these problematic aspects, particularly in light of their harmful implications.
That being said, the film does have its merits. The three leads, Dirch Passer, Ove Sprogøe, and Ghita Nørby, are talented actors who have delivered excellent performances in numerous other films. Their presence brings a certain level of charm and wit to the screen, elevating the comedic moments and adding depth to their characters.
The film's plot takes the characters on a journey to "Pearl Island," where they encounter Queen Victoria (Clara Østø) and engage in amusing interactions. Styrmand Karlsen finds himself falling for the lovely Princess Bibiana (Tove Wisborg), adding a touch of romance to the storyline. The film incorporates catchy songs and showcases the actors' musical talents, providing enjoyable moments throughout.
However, Styrmand Karlsen ultimately receives a mediocre rating of 5 out of 10 stars due to its offensive scenes that undermine its potential. While it offers some entertainment value and showcases the talents of its cast, there are better comedies featuring the same actors that deserve a closer look.
