Watch Down to the Sea in Ships

Down to the Sea in Ships is a drama film released in 1922 that centers around the adventures of a whaling crew from New Bedford in Massachusetts. The movie follows the lives of the whalers as they go on a perilous journey to the far northern waters in search of whales to kill and bring back home to their families. The story of the movie revolves around a young boy named Jed who aspires to become a whaleman like his father and grandfather before him. Jed works as a cabin boy on his grandfather's ship, the Arrowhead, where he learns about the ways of the sea from the experienced crew members.

The plot thickens when a wealthy businessman named Charles W. Wenthworth, played by William Walcott, arrives in town and tries to convince the whalers to change their ways and switch to more profitable, oil-rich oil-mining business. However, the whalers remained committed to their beliefs and refused to give up the pursuit of whales.

As the plot unfolds, Jed finds himself in the middle of a love triangle between the daughter of the ship's owner, Dot, and another crew member named Dan. Meanwhile, the captain of the Arrowhead, played by Raymond McKee, struggles with the responsibility of leading his crew in such dangerous and unpredictable circumstances.

The film showcases various aspects of the whaling industry, including the laborious process of harpooning and killing the whales, as well as the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the sea. It also presents the whaling industry as a critical aspect of life for the people of New Bedford, and highlights the importance of the industry to the local economy.

As the ship sets sail on its voyage, the crew faces various challenges such as strong winds, heavy snowstorms, and icebergs. They also encounter various whales, including a rare white whale that they attempt to hunt down, showcasing the difficulties of the whaling industry.

The film concludes with the success of the voyage, but not without highlighting the dangers and risks associated with the life of a whaleman. It also highlights the importance of tradition and community, as the film shows how the community of New Bedford supports and depends on the whaling industry for their livelihoods.

Overall, Down to the Sea in Ships offers a captivating and insightful look into the whaling industry during the 1920s. It is a movie that is not only entertaining but also informative and educational, offering viewers a chance to learn about an industry that is not often explored in modern times.