Down to the Sea in Ships

Engrossing sea saga about a whaling vessel in the 19th century, with three generations of seafarers represented by Barrymore, Widmark, and Stockwell. Barrymore commands a sea-hardened crew in a long voyage in search of whales, his second-in-command being Widmark, a new breed of sailor who does everything by the book. Widmark has gone to school to learn new nautical methods, which does not endear him to old salt Barrymore. The old captain learns to respect Widmark for his performance on board ship, but must discipline him for leaving the vessel to save the life of his (Baryymores) grandson, Stockwell. Later, Barrymore proves his own seamanship by saving the ship after it strikes an iceberg, but he pays for the rescue with his own life. Before dying, he entrusts the care of Stockwell to Widmark. Solid performances by all make this an endearing and poignant tale, with plenty of action. (official distributor synopsis)