Old Ironsides (1926)

An American fighting ship battles Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean in the 18th century.

Director:

James Cruze

Writers:

Laurence Stallings (story), Harry Carr (suggested and adapted by),

Stars:

Charles Farrell, Esther Ralston, Wallace Beery

Cast

Credited cast:
Charles Farrell	...	The Commodore
Esther Ralston	...	Esther
Wallace Beery	...	Bos'n
George Bancroft	...	Gunner
Charles Hill Mailes	...	Commodore Preble
Johnnie Walker	...	Lt. Stephen Decatur
Eddie Fetherston	...	Lt. Richard Somers
Guy Oliver	...	First Mate
George Godfrey	...	The Cook
William Conklin	...	Esther's Father
Effie Ellsler	...	Esther's Mother
Arthur Ludwig	...	Second Mate
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Herbert Janssen

Storyline

Early in the 19th century, the USS Constitution is launched as part of an effort to stop piracy in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, a young man determined to go to sea is befriended by the bos'n of the merchant ship Esther, and he joins her crew. When the Esther reaches the Mediterranean, she too, along with the Constitution, becomes involved in the battle against the pirates.

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Plot Keywords:

sea | epic

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Taglines:

PRISONERS---held for ransom!---lovers at the mercy of Barbary pirates! Captives on an American vessel, with the frowning guns of Tripoli threatening the outlet to the sea and freedom! Then came ---- "OLD IRONSIDES"

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Details

Country:

USA

Release Date:

6 December 1926 (USA)

Also Known As:

Fragata Invicta

Filming Locations:

Santa Catalina Island, Channel Islands, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was the first film to be shown using the Magnascope system.

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Connections

Referenced in Hollywood's Magical Island: Catalina (2003)

User Reviews

Rip-roaring adventure both on land and at sea!

This picture is absolutely fantastic. I just saw it two nights ago when I was clearing out my room and felt in the mood for a sea epic. It's funny how someone like me, who doesn't even know how to swim (and doesn't plan to), indulges himself with every sea picture he sees. Chuck Farrell proves a worthy choice for the lead; a dreamer, seeking adventure on the high seas. Esther Ralston, even though I'm anti-blonde, is gorgeous as his supporting heroine. The portion of the cast that MADE the picture however was Wallace Beery and George Bancroft. They were awesome characters and the fight scenes between them were hilarious. I will NOT reveal anymore important plot elements, see the picture for yourself and enjoy. Just make sure to bring a towel, you're bound to get drenched with excitement.