John Paul Jones

Just a question; where was JPJ filmed? (I'm looking for ALL locations)and does the movie archive keep a list of unnamed and uncredited extras who appeared (in the backdrop) of the film? My folks have had a replica of the Declaration of Independence in our living room that they say was a souvenir given to people (i.e. my uncle) who were hired by the producers as extras. He said that he was a signer of the document. He and my aunt also kept a copy in their house. It's been awhile since I've seen the movie, but I will look more closely next time to see if I recognize him. My uncle wasn't an actor, but a military man (retired, I think, by that time). He had to have been in the right place at the right time to be chosen as an extra. I'd love to have more info. Jeff

Essentially a biography in movie format, tells of the life of John Paul Jones, the man who put the U.S. Navy on the map during the American Revolution. It touches briefly on his early life, concentrating on his life in the colonies and what led him to go there after a career in the King's service. Movie also touches on the impact and standards that Jones imprinted on today's navy, and it is this element, among others, that makes this well worth watching. Stack (although taller than Jones's height of 5'4") is perfectly cast in the title role. Not to be overlooked either are Coburn's portrayal of Benjamin Franklin, Davis's of Catherine the Great, and Max Steiner's excellent musical score. Additional note: movie was produced by Samuel Bronston, who also produced and did a magnificent job on "El Cid." Whether one is looking for a movie about the Age Of Sail period or simply wants to learn about Jones, this is an excellent choice.

The screenplay was such a poorly written and crafted one that only skimmed the surface of a historical person that served the early beginning of America. This movie about John Paul Jone only superfluously told us how he was fooled and manipulated by the American bureaucrats even the nation just claimed it's independent from the British Empire, no more a colony but a new nation. The movie was full of big words, blah, blah this or that, every man is born free and equal, but what John faced was constant rejections by those politicians. He kept lost his commissions as a captain, without ship to command. Then he was sent away as a mercenary to fight for France, even for the Russia. The fighting scenes on the high sea were often messy and confusing. You couldn't even distinguish who was the enemies. But the most annoying thing about this movie is the loud, almost deafening soundtrack, the horrible music that almost accompanied and synchronized with every scene. There's nothing about the person of John Paul Jones, but a pathetic pawn, a servant, an errand man, often betrayed or cheated by those so-called Founding Fathers, except B. Franklin.

This is a horribly scripted and directed movie. A total waste and an insult not just to John Paul Jones but also the cool dude of Robert Stack.

I was delighted to see this film as I am a voracious consumer of anything about the American Revolution. Aside from any possible historical flaws mentioned by others I found some of the directing touches quite interesting. Most novel was the way George Washington was portrayed when Jones went to visit him at Valley Forge. He was filmed only from the back as would be seen by some observer (e.g. news reporter ) in the room. The effect was quite powerful. It saved us worrying about things like if the actor playing Washington looked enough like him etc. and simply gave us a ghostly impression of the Washington we read about in the history books - namely, a giant of a man both physically and morally and probably the greatest man in history. It occurred to me that Director John Farrow was portraying not the man but rather alluding to the LEGEND on screen. If that was the aim he certainly succeeded.

The 'living presence' of the legend was enhanced by the fact that the image spoke in that arcane English of the time.

The net result was that a huge cinematic impression was provided of a very great man. Nice directing twist innovation !

Not entirely accurate but at times rousing nautical adventure purporting to tell the story of the early American naval hero.

Stack is okay in the lead but some of his early career zest would have benefited the character. What we get instead is a rigid and mostly humorless stick figure in the lead. Some reverence for Jones is that man's due but a bit more animation in Stack's performance would have made him more accessible.

What helps deflect from his wooden performance is an incredibly colorful and sumptuous production with several maritime battles thrown in for good measure that's a treat to the eyes. Aside from that there are some very well cast performers in key roles. MacDonald Carey makes a fine Patrick Henry and Bette Davis, dolled up in a sky high wig, ermine and pearls, has a lot of fun in her tiny cameo as Catherine the Great. The real standout though is Charles Coburn as Benjamin Franklin. So right is he for the role, not just in appearance but getting the balance of the pattern of Franklin's personality right, a mix of seriousness and the twinkle in his eye and sense of fun that old Ben was renown for that it makes you regret that he never had a chance to more fully portray Franklin in a biography.

As a true document of John Paul Jones life it may miss the mark but it's still a decent entertainment.