Thanks to a largely negative review by Theodore Strauss in The New York Times, this film has a poor reputation. Strauss was obviously expecting Frank Lloyd to produce another Mutiny on the Bounty. This movie certainly rates as somewhat less than that magnificent achievement. Nonetheless, it does bring Lloyd straight back to his old stamping ground.
Frank Lloyd and sailing ships! The old master not only back on his favorite turf but re-united with Franchot Tone, giving a splendid performance here as the mild-mannered clerk who comes to life in the wilderness. And we're also treated to a top-notch portrayal from Walter Brennan (who can give Charles Laughton a run for his money) as the schooner's martinet, Captain Thorn. Unlike surly Laughton, who was inclined to over-do the glowering Bligh, Brennan never allows the character to completely alienate audience sympathy. His is a full-bodied and rounded characterization.
The same, unfortunately, cannot be said for John Carroll, who really pours on the French swagger (and exaggerated accent) as a rival suitor for the lovely Carol Bruce.
A famous Broadway singing star, Miss Bruce made only five feature film appearances. This is the first. The others: Keep 'Em Flying (1941), Behind the Eight Ball (1942), American Gigolo (1980), Planes Trains and Automobiles (1987). She also voiced The Old One in the 1996 animated Land Before Time IV. The attractive Bruce offers a charming performance here. In fact, she is such an altogether delightful heroine, anyone would think that a chance like this to see her at her best would put This Woman Is Mine on everybody's not-to-miss-list list. Fortunately for us too, she's also offers a rousingly good Richard Hageman song which she renders in first-class style.
Lloyd's vigorous direction is ably abetted by Milton Krasner's fine cinematography and some splendid sets designed by Jack Otterson and John B. Goodman. Vera West's attractive costumes are a delight too. All told, a must-see movie.
Frank Lloyd and sailing ships! The old master not only back on his favorite turf but re-united with Franchot Tone, giving a splendid performance here as the mild-mannered clerk who comes to life in the wilderness. And we're also treated to a top-notch portrayal from Walter Brennan (who can give Charles Laughton a run for his money) as the schooner's martinet, Captain Thorn. Unlike surly Laughton, who was inclined to over-do the glowering Bligh, Brennan never allows the character to completely alienate audience sympathy. His is a full-bodied and rounded characterization.
The same, unfortunately, cannot be said for John Carroll, who really pours on the French swagger (and exaggerated accent) as a rival suitor for the lovely Carol Bruce.
A famous Broadway singing star, Miss Bruce made only five feature film appearances. This is the first. The others: Keep 'Em Flying (1941), Behind the Eight Ball (1942), American Gigolo (1980), Planes Trains and Automobiles (1987). She also voiced The Old One in the 1996 animated Land Before Time IV. The attractive Bruce offers a charming performance here. In fact, she is such an altogether delightful heroine, anyone would think that a chance like this to see her at her best would put This Woman Is Mine on everybody's not-to-miss-list list. Fortunately for us too, she's also offers a rousingly good Richard Hageman song which she renders in first-class style.
Lloyd's vigorous direction is ably abetted by Milton Krasner's fine cinematography and some splendid sets designed by Jack Otterson and John B. Goodman. Vera West's attractive costumes are a delight too. All told, a must-see movie.