Captain Caution
| Captain Caution | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Richard Wallace |
| Produced by |
Grover Jones Richard Wallace |
| Written by |
Kenneth Roberts Grover Jones |
| Based on |
Captain Caution by Kenneth Roberts |
| Starring | Victor Mature |
| Cinematography | Norbert Brodine |
| Edited by | James E. Newcom |
Production company |
Hal Roach Studios |
| Distributed by | United Artists |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 86 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Captain Caution is a 1940 American adventure film directed by Richard Wallace set during the War of 1812.[1] The film stars Victor Mature, Bruce Cabot and Alan Ladd.
It was based on the novel of the same name by Kenneth Roberts. Elmer A. Raguse was nominated for an Academy Award for Sound Recording.[2][3]
Cast
- Victor Mature as Daniel 'Dan' Marvin
- Bruce Cabot as Lehrman Slade
- Alan Ladd as Newton - Mutinous Sailor
- Louise Platt as Corunna Dorman
- Leo Carrillo as Lucien Argandeau
- Robert Barrat as Capt. Dorman
- Vivienne Osborne as Victorine Argandeau
- Miles Mander as Lieut. Strope
- El Brendel as Slushy
- Roscoe Ates as Chips
- Andrew Tombes as Sad Eyes
- Aubrey Mather as Mr. Henry Potter
- Leyland Hodgson as British Ship's Brig Officer
- Cliff Severn, Jr. as Travers
Production
Kenneth Roberts' novel was published in 1934[4] and became a best seller.[5] Film rights were bought by Hal Roach who made the film as part of a five picture deal he had with United Artists. (The others were The Housekeeper's Daughter, One Million Years BC, Of Mice and Me and a novel by Thorne Smith.[6]) Eugene Sollow was assigned to write the script.[7]
Plans to make the film were pushed back following the entry of Britain into World War Two out of fear the film could be seen as anti British.[8] However "sea pictures" were in vogue at the time (eg The Sea Hawk, South of Pago Pago) so Roach decided to proceed.[9]
The Anti-British tone of the novel was softened and the script rewritten by producer Grover Jones, who said "in the main we won't be giving them much time to think about whether they like the theme of the picture or not. We'll be giving them action and more action. And if we let a little plot to trickle in to let them know why they are getting all that fighting, we do it only because the camera needs a new set up now and again."[10]
Filming started April 1940.[11]
References
- ↑ "Captain Caution". NY Times. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
- ↑ "The 13th Academy Awards (1941) Nominees and Winners". oscars.org. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
- ↑ Contrasting Screen Fare Offered at Two Theaters Scott, John L. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 03 Oct 1940: 12.
- ↑ The War of 1812: CAPTAIN CAUTION. By Kenneth Roberts. 310 pp. New York: Doubleday, Doran & Co. $2.50. Wallace, Margaret. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 11 Nov 1934: BR7.
- ↑ Best Sellers Here and Elsewhere New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 12 Nov 1934: 17.
- ↑ 32 Films for United Artists The Christian Science Monitor (1908-Current file) [Boston, Mass] 08 May 1939: 17.
- ↑ NEWS OF THE SCREEN: Fox Buys Play 'Here Today, Gone Tomorrow'--Greta Garbo at Music Hall in Her First Comedy Role Chosen for Jack Benny's Film Of Local Origin By DOUGLAS W. CHURCHILL Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 09 Nov 1939: 26.
- ↑ SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD: Paramount Schedules 'Miami,' Modern Musical Romance, as Mary Martin Vehicle FIVE OPENINGS THIS WEEK 'Destry Rides Again,' Starring Marlene Dietrich, at the Rivoli on Wednesday Revival of "Champ" Reported Coast Scripts Of Local Origin By DOUGLAS W. CHURCHILL Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 27 Nov 1939: 13
- ↑ Rollers Ahead For Hollywood In Latest Cycle The Washington Post (1923-1954) [Washington, D.C] 09 Feb 1940: 11.
- ↑ Roberts' 'Captain Caution' on Way to Screen: Hollywood Goes to Sea By Frank Daugherty Special to The Christian Science Monitor. The Christian Science Monitor (1908-Current file) [Boston, Mass] 21 June 1940:
- ↑ News of the Screen By a Staff Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor. The Christian Science Monitor (1908-Current file) [Boston, Mass] 23 Apr 1940: 16.