High seas and NW history are setting for a first-rate movie
Start with history, add adventure and scenery, toss in a romance, sprinkle it with humor, and top it off with action. That's the recipe for a very entertaining and outstanding movie. It describes "The World in His Arms." Others have discussed the plot of the film, so I'll skip to some of the highlights.
First, it has historical value. Few films have been made about that time and place in history, and it gives a good picture of life and politics in the early years of Alaska settlement. The locale shooting in the Pacific Northwest adds to the authenticity, as well as the spectacular scenery.
Second, the scenery and cinematography are outstanding. Even fewer movies have included Alaska seal hunting, and again the location and scenery are most impressive here. The Americans and others who go in search of seal furs in Alaska are poachers in Russian territory. But, one scene describes how Gregory Peck's ship practices conservation of the seal population, whereas the Russians tend to slaughter whole populations without such regard.
Third, the big cast of top drawer actors is perfect for this film. That includes all of them. I don't agree with a couple reviewers, including one whom I enjoy and watch for often. They think that Gregory Peck was miscast. I can see that if someone has a particular image or demeanor or character about an actor burned into his or her imagination, it may be difficult to appreciate that person in roles that don't seem to conform. But, greater enjoyment of movies is in store for those of us who don't typecast actors. And, when an actor plays a role that is rare or unusual for him, it can be an even bigger treat for the audience. Such is the case with Peck in this film, I think. Instead of Charlton Heston, John Wayne, or Kirk Douglas for this role, I think Peck gives it an air of freshness.
Fourth, the sailing scenes and action are outstanding. Although these aren't the man-o-war type of large ships in this film, they are of the fast schooner type of vessels. The cinematography of the sea race is some of the best filming of sailing that I have seen in movies.
Other aspects of the movie add immensely to its quality and enjoyment -- the romance, the humor, and the action. Production aspects are all first-rate - costumes, script, and directing. "The World in His Arms" is a great addition to any film library.
Most of the cast give top performances. Besides the three leads played by Gregory Peck, Ann Blyth and Anthony Quinn, this film had several well-known supporting actors of the day. John McIntire, Hans Conried, Rhys William, and Sig Ruman are very good in their roles. Only one significant role was lacking -- Carl Esmond seemed wooden as Prince Semyon
While the film takes place in an historical setting, the characters are fictitious. The movie is based on a book by American author Rex Beach, who wrote many novels of adventure, action and drama. "The World in His Arms" of 1946, was one of several books set in Alaska where Beach had spent five years, including a stint at prospecting for gold. Although little read today, some of his books were top sellers in the early 20th century. Beach may be among the most prolific of modern authors to have had movies based on his works - 37 in all.
Of course, the U. S. did purchase Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867, for $7.2 million. While some critics called it "Seward's Foley" (after William Seward, who was then U. S. Secretary of State), most could see the wisdom of the deal. Russians had first arrived in Alaska in 1732, and in 1799 the Russian-American Company was established to hunt for fur - mostly seal skins. But, Russia didn't colonize the territory. Instead, the largest communities sprang up around churches that were built by Russian Orthodox missionaries. The history of Russian America and the U. S. purchase and establishment of Alaska, which became a state in 1959, is quite fascinating. Very few Russians moved there, and shortly after the sale, most - but not all, left and returned to Russia.
There were some 30 Russian Orthodox churches in Alaska in the early 21st century. Most are historic sites and some are still active parishes. All are in the southern part of the state and the Aleutian Islands. While most are in remote areas or small villages, the most accessible and visited churches are in Sitka, Kenai, Kodiak, and Juneau. Those who take an inland passage cruise to Alaska usually stop at Juneau where one can see and visit St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church.
Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Deacon Greathouse, "Woe unto you, Jonathan. Women! The mouths of these women are smoother than oil, but the end is bitter as wormwood."
William Cleggett, "He can't be serious about buying Alaska." Eben Cleggett, "Of course he's serious. The man is fabulous mad. He's impossible. But if he's decided to buy Alaska, he'll buy it."
Portugee, "Very strange people, these Russians. They give you money, they want it back. Between you and me, I think he's a thief."
Capt. Jonathan Clark, "Did you find Joe Sweeney down at the city treasurer's office?" Eustace, Hotel Clerk, "No. Unfortunately, no, sir. Mr. Sweeney's being hanged this evening. They checked his accounts and it seems they discovered a slight case of embezzlement." Capt. Clark, "Oh, it's too bad. He was a great man with the bottle. There are very few of us left."
First, it has historical value. Few films have been made about that time and place in history, and it gives a good picture of life and politics in the early years of Alaska settlement. The locale shooting in the Pacific Northwest adds to the authenticity, as well as the spectacular scenery.
Second, the scenery and cinematography are outstanding. Even fewer movies have included Alaska seal hunting, and again the location and scenery are most impressive here. The Americans and others who go in search of seal furs in Alaska are poachers in Russian territory. But, one scene describes how Gregory Peck's ship practices conservation of the seal population, whereas the Russians tend to slaughter whole populations without such regard.
Third, the big cast of top drawer actors is perfect for this film. That includes all of them. I don't agree with a couple reviewers, including one whom I enjoy and watch for often. They think that Gregory Peck was miscast. I can see that if someone has a particular image or demeanor or character about an actor burned into his or her imagination, it may be difficult to appreciate that person in roles that don't seem to conform. But, greater enjoyment of movies is in store for those of us who don't typecast actors. And, when an actor plays a role that is rare or unusual for him, it can be an even bigger treat for the audience. Such is the case with Peck in this film, I think. Instead of Charlton Heston, John Wayne, or Kirk Douglas for this role, I think Peck gives it an air of freshness.
Fourth, the sailing scenes and action are outstanding. Although these aren't the man-o-war type of large ships in this film, they are of the fast schooner type of vessels. The cinematography of the sea race is some of the best filming of sailing that I have seen in movies.
Other aspects of the movie add immensely to its quality and enjoyment -- the romance, the humor, and the action. Production aspects are all first-rate - costumes, script, and directing. "The World in His Arms" is a great addition to any film library.
Most of the cast give top performances. Besides the three leads played by Gregory Peck, Ann Blyth and Anthony Quinn, this film had several well-known supporting actors of the day. John McIntire, Hans Conried, Rhys William, and Sig Ruman are very good in their roles. Only one significant role was lacking -- Carl Esmond seemed wooden as Prince Semyon
While the film takes place in an historical setting, the characters are fictitious. The movie is based on a book by American author Rex Beach, who wrote many novels of adventure, action and drama. "The World in His Arms" of 1946, was one of several books set in Alaska where Beach had spent five years, including a stint at prospecting for gold. Although little read today, some of his books were top sellers in the early 20th century. Beach may be among the most prolific of modern authors to have had movies based on his works - 37 in all.
Of course, the U. S. did purchase Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867, for $7.2 million. While some critics called it "Seward's Foley" (after William Seward, who was then U. S. Secretary of State), most could see the wisdom of the deal. Russians had first arrived in Alaska in 1732, and in 1799 the Russian-American Company was established to hunt for fur - mostly seal skins. But, Russia didn't colonize the territory. Instead, the largest communities sprang up around churches that were built by Russian Orthodox missionaries. The history of Russian America and the U. S. purchase and establishment of Alaska, which became a state in 1959, is quite fascinating. Very few Russians moved there, and shortly after the sale, most - but not all, left and returned to Russia.
There were some 30 Russian Orthodox churches in Alaska in the early 21st century. Most are historic sites and some are still active parishes. All are in the southern part of the state and the Aleutian Islands. While most are in remote areas or small villages, the most accessible and visited churches are in Sitka, Kenai, Kodiak, and Juneau. Those who take an inland passage cruise to Alaska usually stop at Juneau where one can see and visit St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church.
Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Deacon Greathouse, "Woe unto you, Jonathan. Women! The mouths of these women are smoother than oil, but the end is bitter as wormwood."
William Cleggett, "He can't be serious about buying Alaska." Eben Cleggett, "Of course he's serious. The man is fabulous mad. He's impossible. But if he's decided to buy Alaska, he'll buy it."
Portugee, "Very strange people, these Russians. They give you money, they want it back. Between you and me, I think he's a thief."
Capt. Jonathan Clark, "Did you find Joe Sweeney down at the city treasurer's office?" Eustace, Hotel Clerk, "No. Unfortunately, no, sir. Mr. Sweeney's being hanged this evening. They checked his accounts and it seems they discovered a slight case of embezzlement." Capt. Clark, "Oh, it's too bad. He was a great man with the bottle. There are very few of us left."
- SimonJack
- Apr 20, 2013