I knew the story of the Flying Dutchman before, not least from Richard Wagner's wonderful opera, which I love. But for some reason I found the same (or more or less the same...) story-line a little silly in this movie. It became too incongruous, when they mixed up the ancient captain with bull-fighters, car races, jazz-music and what-not... It was difficult to believe in the fantastic old ghost story, and get into the mood of it, when it was placed in that otherwise so realistic setting.
The main actors were gorgeous, though. Mason was perfect for his role with his dark, handsome, melancholy looks - he should have made a perfect Mr Rochester in a rendering of "Jane Eyre"! Ava Gardner was just as beautiful as everyone is always saying she was, although I have always thought that it was something haughty and impudent over her beauty - and this came out also in this movie. I would have preferred someone more simple, soulful and innocent-looking, and maybe a little younger as well, for this part.
The ending, when the love couple were together on the ship, was wonderful. One of the most romantic scenes I have ever seen! I wish I had known of this movie when I were younger, and could appreciate tragedy and romance to the full!
The main actors were gorgeous, though. Mason was perfect for his role with his dark, handsome, melancholy looks - he should have made a perfect Mr Rochester in a rendering of "Jane Eyre"! Ava Gardner was just as beautiful as everyone is always saying she was, although I have always thought that it was something haughty and impudent over her beauty - and this came out also in this movie. I would have preferred someone more simple, soulful and innocent-looking, and maybe a little younger as well, for this part.
The ending, when the love couple were together on the ship, was wonderful. One of the most romantic scenes I have ever seen! I wish I had known of this movie when I were younger, and could appreciate tragedy and romance to the full!