Swope le cruel

I had the pleasure of viewing a complete copy of The Blood Ship last night at the Capitol Theatre in Rome, NY. It was part of their regular presentation of silent films and rare early talkies at various times throughout the year. The other reviewer is spot on as this film is a rousing adventure melodrama especially when you view it with live theater organ accompaniment, thundering during the mutiny. Were this available on DVD, I would buy it in a minute. Thank God the final reel has since been discovered in great shape. I hope the other reviewer gets a chance to see the entire film. Great to see Fred Kohler (a terrific overlooked villain) as the nefarious first mate. This movie is high action melodrama, and, if you have the chance, I highly recommend that you see The Blood Ship.

Richard Arlen signs onto Captain. Walter James' ship. Usually James' crews are all shanghaied, only to desert at the first port of call. But Arlen thinks Jacqueline Logan needs a friend onboard. Hobart Bosworth also signs on. He used to be the ship's skipper, until James framed him for murder and stole his ship, his wife -- now dead -- and his daughter: Miss Logan.

Columbia was working at pulling out of the states rights distribution that was the lot of Poverty Row. They had secured distribution from Film Booking Office, a second-tier but real distributor, and spent liberally -- for them -- on cast and director, John Seitz. The result is a blood-and-thunder movie, that looks pretty good. The fact that the print that survives is in excellent shape certainly helps. With Fred Kohler, Arthur Rankin, and Blue Washington.