China Seas

 

 

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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) presents "CHINA SEAS" (1935) (87 min/B&W) -- Starring: Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Wallace Beery, Lewis Stone & Rosalind Russell

Directed by Tay Garnett

Dynamic Alan Gaskell (Clark Gable) captains a ship bound from Hong Kong to Singapore. Gaskell tries to turn over a new leaf from his hard-drinking lifestyle after becoming attached to a refined high class English lady, Sybil Barclay (Rosalind Russell). His former girlfriend Dolly (Jean Harlow) is extremely jealous of the budding relationship and tries hard to get the Captain back. He is unimpressed with her loud, obnoxious, and uncivilized manners, even though she is extremely beautiful. Wallace First Mate, Jamesy MacArdle (Wallace Beery) is in league with a gang of pirates who plan to steal the gold shipment being carried in the hold of the steamer. Dolly tumbles to MacArdle's secret, but is unable to convince Gaskell.

Based on a novel by Crosbie Garstin. Action/adventure director and South Seas enthusiast Tay Garnet - A great adventure story told with verve by an outstanding cast in top form!

China Seas proved that the recently imposed Hollywood production code had little if any effect on the popularity of MGM sex symbols Clark Gable and Jean Harlow.

BIOS:
1. Tay Garnett [Director]
Date of Birth: 13 June 1894 - Los Angeles, California
Date of Death: 3 October 1977 - Sawtelle, California

2. Clark Gable
Date of birth: 1 February 1901 - Cadiz, Ohio,
Date of death: 16 November 1960 - Los Angeles, California

3. Jean Harlow [aka: Harlean Harlow Carpenter]
Date of Birth: 3 March 1911 - Kansas City, Missouri
Date of Death: 7 June 1937 - Los Angeles, California

4. Wallace Beery
Date of Birth: 1 April 1885 - Kansas City, Missouri
Date of Death: 15 April 1949 - Beverly Hills, California

5. Lewis Stone
Date of Birth: 15 November 1879 - Worcester, Massachusetts
Date of Death: 12 September 1953 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

6. Rosalind Russell
Date of Birth: 4 June 1907 - Waterbury, Connecticut
Date of Death: 28 November 1976 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

7. C. Aubrey Smith [aka: Charles Aubrey Smith]
Date of Birth: 21 July 1863 - London, England, UK
Date of Death: 20 December 1948 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]

Total Time: 87 min on DVD ~ Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) ~ (June 20, 2006)

This was the first film I saw that paired Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. I expected a lot from it and I was not disappointed. They were one of the finest screen teams of the 30s.

In a way, the plot is like RED DUST on the high seas. Gable is again in charge of a location and the leader of men, including a crew of Asians. Harlow is again the woman of easy virtue with a heart of gold. Rosalind Russell, in an entertaining turn as Sybil, Gable's long ago love, is a comedic and decidedly more classy dame who captures Captain Gaskill's attention, and who incites China Doll's jealousy. Wallace Beery, who worked with both Harlow and Gable in "THE SECRET SIX" and with Harlow in the 1933 classic "DINNER AT EIGHT" is enjoyably slick and subtly shady as Jamesy. But it is the chemistry between Harlow and Gable that really holds this movie together. They obviously had great respect and liking for one another, and this only cemented their working relationship on-screen. My favorite lines, one spoken by China Doll: "When I want you to sound off, Golden Bells, I'll pull your rope!" The other by Gaskill, with that unmistakable Gable grin: "And as a man said when they were about to hang him, 'This will be a lesson to me.' " It's a gem, and don't pass it up!!!!!

1935 was the year Clark Gable was out to sea. The oscar winning film "Mutiny on the Bounty" was also released and boy does it make this one look pale. Though I suppose it's not fair to compare them, since, they are completely different movies.

"China Seas" was directed by Tay Garnett (director of many TV shows and the 1946 film version of "The Postman Always Rings Twice")and has an incrediable cast consisting of Gable, Jean Harlow, Wallace Berry, Rosalind Russell (at first I didn't even recognize her), and one of my favorites Robert Benchley. But despite the presence of a talented cast "China Seas" never quite takes sail. The movie has Gable playing Capt. Alan Gaskell and a voyage being made from Hong Kong to Singapore, aboard the ship is 100 pounds of bullion, but, unknown to Gable, someone on the ship plans to steal it. Wallace Berry plans a friend Jamesy MacRdie who has a crush on Gable's girl (?) Dolly Portland (AKA "China Doll) played by Jean Harlow. To further complicate things we have an old flame of Gable's, Sybill Barclay (Rosalind Russell) and a writer looking for material for his new book, but never has time to write a word, since he's constantly seeking inspiration from the old bottle (Robert Benchley).

On paper "China Seas" seems like a good movie. And if your a fan of classic films from Hollywood's "Golden Era" you would think the cast might pull it off, but, the screenplay has too many problems, which was based on a novel written by Crosbie Garstin. The movie never clearly identifies the relationship between Gable and Harlow or the past relationship between Gable and Russell. We are never quite sure where everyone stands. Also, as much as I enjoy watching Benchley, to be honest he serve no purpose in this movie. His scenes make a few comedis attempts but seem out of place in this movie. His character was just not needed. And if it appears in the novel, I'm guessing it was written differently.

Despite the all-star cast, it's Lewis Stone (probably best known for appearing in the Andy Hardy series and films such as "Grand Hotel") who comes out looking best. He just seems to blend in with the scenery. Granted most people will keep their eyes on Gable and Harlow, but Stone's performance is far more subtle. It's a co-starring role but there were times I had sympathy for his character and other times I hated him. It was a very good role for him.

Most people who watch this movie will enjoy it. Since it's not exactly a popular film, only those who appreciate older films will be watching. Fun light movie, but not what it could have been.

Bottom-line: Entertaining adventure on the high seas with some good performances, Stone's being the best. Has a weak script but older fans will look past it and have fun watching it.

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3.0 out of 5 stars A nice romance-adventure flick
MY RATING- 7.1

A fairly entertaining romantic adventure with Gable having to deal with the dumb blonde Jean Harlow. Read more

Published on Dec 21 2002 by scottie

5.0 out of 5 stars A dream cast in a film paced like a rocket.
One of the most entertaining films ever made, with MGM throwing in everything but the kitchen sink and all the elements working beautifully. Read more

Published on Aug 5 1999

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