The Long Voyage Home

Watch The Long Voyage Home

"The Love of Women in Their Eyes... The Salt of the Sea in Their Blood!"
  • NR
  • 1940
  • 1 hr 45 min
  • 6.9  (4,861)

The Long Voyage Home is a 1940 drama film directed by John Ford, starring John Wayne, Thomas Mitchell, and Ian Hunter. The film brings to life the story of a group of sailors aboard the British tramp steamer SS Glencairn, as they sail through treacherous waters during World War II. The movie features several vignettes that explore the lives of the diverse crew members who hail from different lands and cultures. The sailors are shown as a likeable and tightly knit group who rely on each other for support and camaraderie, as they journey towards their different destinations.

Thomas Mitchell plays the role of Driscoll, the most experienced member of the crew, who has served on the Glencairn for over 20 years. John Wayne plays Ole Olsen, a Swedish sailor who befriends his fellow sailors and falls in love with a girl named Freda (Mildred Natwick). Ian Hunter plays Smitty, a mysterious and philosophical character who keeps to himself and harbors a dark secret.

Throughout the voyage, the sailors face various challenges, including treacherous weather conditions, dangerous cargo, and enemy submarines. The film captures the danger, monotony, and isolation of life at sea during wartime.

One of the standout scenes in The Long Voyage Home is a drunken party sequence that takes place in a local tavern in the beginning of the film. The scene is masterfully shot, with Ford using light and shadow to create a moody and atmospheric setting. The scene serves to establish the camaraderie among the sailors, and sets up the emotional stakes for the rest of the film.

The cinematography in The Long Voyage Home is gorgeous, with Ford using sharp contrast and deep shadows to create a noir-ish aesthetic. The black and white photography captures the texture of the sailors' clothing and the weather-worn look of the ship's deck. The camera work is also innovative, with shots of the ship's interior and exterior serving to enhance the sense of confinement and isolation.

One of the unique features of The Long Voyage Home is its use of dialect and accent, which reflects the cultural backgrounds of the sailors. The script captures the nuances and rhythms of their different languages, creating a sense of authenticity and realism. This gives the characters depth and a sense of history, which serves to make the audience more invested in their fates.

The Long Voyage Home is a film about the human cost of war, and the sacrifices made by ordinary people caught up in the midst of it. It's a quieter and more introspective film than many of John Ford's other works, but it rewards close attention and rewards the viewer with a rich and nuanced portrayal of the human experience.

Overall, The Long Voyage Home is an eloquent and beautifully crafted film that resonates powerfully with its themes of struggle, sacrifice, and human resilience. The film is a testament to the skill of director John Ford and the talent of its ensemble cast, and it remains a classic of its genre to this day.

The Long Voyage Home is a 1940 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.

The Long Voyage Home
Description
Where to Watch The Long Voyage Home
The Long Voyage Home is available to watch, stream, download and on demand at Amazon Prime and Max. Some platforms allow you to rent The Long Voyage Home for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1940
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 45 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.9  (4,861)