Matylda Swan
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.
Ginger
Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.
Scarlet
The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
utgard14
It's the outbreak of World War II and John Wayne plays a German (!) freighter captain trying to get his ship from Australia back to Germany with the British in pursuit. On board he has a sexy spy, played by Lana Turner. This is an odd role for Duke that I'm surprised he took. His character is anti-Nazi but still he's playing a German fleeing the British and trying to take his ship back to Nazi Germany. And he does have at least one Nazi on board. Perhaps he really wanted to work with Lana Turner. Can't say I blame any man for that. But that part of the film falls flat as the two have poor chemistry. Lana's beautiful, though, with her platinum blonde hair looking perfect at all times. The supporting cast is full of familiar faces with Paul Fix and Dick Davalos giving standout performances. The biggest flaw is that it's not a terribly exciting film. For a movie centered around a chase, it's awfully slow.
wes-connors
German naval captain John Wayne (as Karl Ehrlich) is near Australia as World War II beaks out. Although he is against Hitler's politics, Mr. Wayne decides he must return to his Axis fatherland. Along the way, he fights Allied forces. If watching the "all-American" Wayne in this wasn't ludicrous enough, throw in singing Nazi spy Lana Turner (as Elsa Keller). She boards ship and shipmates. Wayne tells Ms. Turner not to wear tight clothing because it's been so long since the men have had shore leave. Fortunately, she does not always follow directions. You need something to relieve boredom from "The Sea Chase" and Wayne is little help. The best parts involve Dick Davalos (as Stemme), Tab Hunter (as Wesser) and a shark attack. And, it's in "CinemaScope" with "WarnerColor".***** The Sea Chase (6/4/55) John Farrow ~ John Wayne, Lana Turner, Tab Hunter, Richard Davalos
screenman
John Wayne plays the role of a German merchant sea-captain, determined to get himself, his crew and his little freighter back to the fatherland. Playing the technical enemy was a rare outing for steadfast patriot Wayne, but he brings all of the staunch masculine values to bear that have typified just about every character he has ever played. His little ship might just as easily be a floating Alamo with a German flag.He slips his moorings at night in the fog in order to escape internment. On board is a German kiss-n-tell agent played by busty Lana Turner. She, in turn, is the formerly betrothed mistress to a British navel captain, played by David Farrer. Farrer also provides the intermittent narrative voice-over.There's plenty of familiar faces in the crew. Not least is Lyle Bettger, who should have done what Wayne did and invent himself a more memorable name. He plays his ruthless and vicious first officer. He also provides a little competition for the charms of Ms Turner. Ever-reliable John Qualen turns up to stoke the other boiler.And it's a sea chase. David Farrer's Captain doesn't much care for losing his woman, or the fact that she was a spy. But the case is compounded when the first officer murders some marooned sailors, black-balling Wayne and his vessel.There's lots of adventures along the way as a cat-and-mouse pursuit pitches the British navy against our elusive tramp-steamer. Ms Turner's character has to learn that there's actually more to men than her mammary-glands can gratify. Farrer is frequently out-foxed. Qualen keeps the engine running. There are several interesting dynamics with the rest of the crew - especially when it comes to using lifeboats as fuel.The ending is a bit flimsy. After such sterling and steadfast characters have been developed throughout the movie, the ambiguous melting away of the stars isn't very satisfying.But it's a good old 1950's adventure with all of the standard features of the period. Well worth a watch.
thinker1691
There are several aspect to the selection of a favorite movie star. One would like to view with interest the full potential of said actor when playing different roles in films. However, the true test of any given actor is when the actor can effectively play heroes as well as playing the heavy convincingly. It is difficult to see one of the most prominent leading actors in Hollywood, the Duke, Mr. All American in obvious bad guy roles. For the most part he always played the hero. Thus it is with amusement to see Wayne in this film, " The Sea Chase " playing Capt. Karl Ehrlich a German Officer during World War Two. Further, his ship's crew is loaded with additional actors who have a history of playing good guys siding with him. If you look closely you'll see Jeffrey Hunter, Tab Hunter, James Arness, John Qualen, Paul Fix, Alan Hale Jr., John Doucette and even Claude Akins. The story is of a German cargo vessel, which is believed interned by the British, abruptly escapes and plans on making it's way back home to Germany. With David Farrar playing Cmd. Jeff Napier, who gives reluctant chase, Lyle Bettger as Chief Officer Kirchner, Waynes' foil, and sultry Lana Turner playing Ehrlichs' former heartthrob, the movie has a great deal of potential. However, as a fan of Wayne, it's difficulty to snarl at him for being a German. In addition, him being in the close quarters of Lana Turner on board ship, one can only feel disappointment as so little happens. Still, the movie is entertaining and since Wayne remains true to his screen image, one can enjoy all the action, slight as that might be. ****
