Excellent review; you pointed out many of the fine details, including the Bond connections. “The Sea Wolves,” along with “The Wild Geese,” remains on my list of favourite films. And you’re right: Andrew V McLaglen is an underrated director. (I enjoyed “Chisum,” too.) I don’t share the few (slight) reservations you have about the film. I saw it in the cinema, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Once again, Reginald Rose offered a tightly constructed screenplay, with the necessary exposition leading to the actual mission. Any feature film has limited time to establish character, more so in an ensemble piece; naturally the early part of the film would have some ”slowness” to it. Roger Moore plays a Bond-like character, but is more impressive than in his Bond films. Trevor Howard is a pleasure to see, as always. In his memoir, John Glen briefly touched upon his work on “The Sea Wolves.” He described how the editing process helped with Gregory Peck’s role, since he was not that experienced an action star. More critically, David Niven was in poor health: he had started to show symptoms of the ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) that would take him a couple of years later. I was appalled that it was not a box-office success, at least in the US. I found out later that the distribution process was a shambles, with legal problems between Lorimar and whomever else! I’ve said for years, that the Sea Wolves should have shot the publicity department for that asinine MAD Magazine-style poster, which would lead anyone to believe that the film was a slapstick comedy!
Sadly, not many people my age even know all of these legendary actors. For me, I get far more excited by an ensemble like this than any potential team-ups of today's actors.
@@HildebrandProductions I must admit that trying to persuade young people that Black and white movies are worth watching is impossible, if you say Black and White they just roll their eyes. But they are missing so much.
I know, I was completely shocked when I realized most of the people I know haven't even seen a single black and white movie in their lives. There are some I just assumed everyone has seen, 'It's a Wonderful Life' being one example, but even that seems to be too obscure for many people these days.
Thanks for another great review. I don't remember ever seeing The Sea Wolves. It looks like a film I would enjoy. I think it's available to watch for free on CZcams. I'll check it out.
I thought I saw this as a kid, but I don't think I did. The one I saw also starred Elliott Gould and I think you would have mentioned him if he made an appearance in this film.
Are you thinking of 'Escape to Athena'? That one's got Roger Moore, David Niven and Elliott Gould. And Telly Savalas! I need to seek it out, sounds like it's right up my alley.
Surely you've seen Trevor Howard with Celia Johnson in Lean's 1945 'Brief Encounter' exquisite love story (Celia got an Oscar nod). *Avoid '74 Burton-Loren remake🤢.*
Excellent review; you pointed out many of the fine details, including the Bond connections. “The Sea Wolves,” along with “The Wild Geese,” remains on my list of favourite films. And you’re right: Andrew V McLaglen is an underrated director. (I enjoyed “Chisum,” too.)
I don’t share the few (slight) reservations you have about the film. I saw it in the cinema, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Once again, Reginald Rose offered a tightly constructed screenplay, with the necessary exposition leading to the actual mission. Any feature film has limited time to establish character, more so in an ensemble piece; naturally the early part of the film would have some ”slowness” to it. Roger Moore plays a Bond-like character, but is more impressive than in his Bond films. Trevor Howard is a pleasure to see, as always.
In his memoir, John Glen briefly touched upon his work on “The Sea Wolves.” He described how the editing process helped with Gregory Peck’s role, since he was not that experienced an action star. More critically, David Niven was in poor health: he had started to show symptoms of the ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) that would take him a couple of years later.
I was appalled that it was not a box-office success, at least in the US. I found out later that the distribution process was a shambles, with legal problems between Lorimar and whomever else! I’ve said for years, that the Sea Wolves should have shot the publicity department for that asinine MAD Magazine-style poster, which would lead anyone to believe that the film was a slapstick comedy!
This film is a treat for people my age (50 somthing) David Niven Roger Moore Gregory Peck and many classic British actors.
Good feel good movie (:
Sadly, not many people my age even know all of these legendary actors. For me, I get far more excited by an ensemble like this than any potential team-ups of today's actors.
@@HildebrandProductions I must admit that trying to persuade young people that Black and white movies are worth watching is impossible, if you say Black and White they just roll their eyes. But they are missing so much.
I know, I was completely shocked when I realized most of the people I know haven't even seen a single black and white movie in their lives. There are some I just assumed everyone has seen, 'It's a Wonderful Life' being one example, but even that seems to be too obscure for many people these days.
Thanks for another great review. I don't remember ever seeing The Sea Wolves. It looks like a film I would enjoy. I think it's available to watch for free on CZcams. I'll check it out.
Thank you! It's a fun one, I hope you enjoy it!
Another enjoyable review, I have not seen this movie and after watching this review I will seek it out. Thank you.
Thanks very much! I hope you like it.
I thought I saw this as a kid, but I don't think I did. The one I saw also starred Elliott Gould and I think you would have mentioned him if he made an appearance in this film.
Are you thinking of 'Escape to Athena'? That one's got Roger Moore, David Niven and Elliott Gould. And Telly Savalas! I need to seek it out, sounds like it's right up my alley.
It needs a proper Bluray release as it's still not officially released. It's a great movie at that.
Surely you've seen Trevor Howard with Celia Johnson in Lean's 1945 'Brief Encounter' exquisite love story (Celia got an Oscar nod). *Avoid '74 Burton-Loren remake🤢.*