I have no idea why some of the actors who were in this film were so snide about it. As an example of a fun film for all ages with intrigue after intrigue, and the threat of Krakatoa exploding, it has all the ingredients of a first rate adventure film and it does not disappoint. It even has a queer eye, with an on-board relationship between two males that some members of the audience must have picked up on. One is half-naked all of the time, with his fully clothed friend ninety per cent in tow. Whether this was intentional I leave discerning viewers to decide. Excellent ensemble fighting and sparring on ships and a whipping scene that had made the censors reach for their scissors (if you buy the DVD from Germany you can see it uncut and much more clearly then those copies still shown on television). Vera Ralston is quite good as the 'slave' girl who gets the whipping, and she was actually very beautiful, but not successful with audiences. McMurray is good, and the climax of the film is excellent and very well done considering how hard it must have been given the techniques of the time. I give it a 9 for sheer entertainment. Basic film at its best.
Review of Fair Wind to Java
