Sea Spoilers (1936)

When Coast Guard Commander arrives at his actress girlfriend's yacht he find the owner killed, contraband seal skins, and no girlfriend.

Director:

Frank R. Strayer

Writers:

George Waggner (screenplay), Dorrell McGowan (story),

Stars:

John Wayne, Nan Grey, William Bakewell

Cast

Complete credited cast:
John Wayne	...	Bob Randall
Nan Grey	...	Connie Dawson
William Bakewell	...	Lieut. Commander Mays
Fuzzy Knight	...	Hogan
Russell Hicks	...	Phil Morgan
George Irving	...	Commander Mays
Lotus Long	...	Marie
Harry Worth	...	Nick Austin
Ernest Hilliard	...	Reggie
George Humbert	...	Johnny 'Hop-Scotch'
Ethan Laidlaw	...	Louie
Chester Gan	...	Oil
Cy Kendall	...	Detective
Harrison Greene	...	Fats

Storyline

Bob Randall, temporarily in command of the Coast Guard vessel Niobe, expects a promotion and the captaincy of his ship. Instead, he is replaced by Lieutenant Mays, son of the area commander. Mays is afflicted with a fear of the sea, although he has served well in Coast Guard aviation. His father, however, thinks Mays can overcome his fear by taking command of the Niobe. When seal poachers kidnap Bob Randall's girlfriend Connie, Bob and Mays disagree about the proper means of rescuing her and capturing the seal poachers. When Mays's inexperience and phobia foil their attempts at rescue, Bob comes up with his own plan.

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Plot Keywords:

coast guard | ship | murder | gunfight | evil man | 

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Taglines:

The Heroic Adventures Of The Coast Guard!

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

October 1936 (USA)

Also Known As:

Casey of the Coast Guard

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

63 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Photophone System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

User Reviews

A good early role for John Wayne

John Wayne is Bob Randall, the best boatswain in the Coast Guard. His ship is heading home and he's looking forward to two things: he expects to be promoted to skipper of his ship, and he knows he'll see his girl Connie. Alas, things don't work out—at least not right away.

First, the commander back in port passes over Bob and appoints his own son to command the ship. The Duke is disappointed but grits his teeth—he is too much the professional to let it affect his work. But second, Connie is kidnapped by a gang of seal smugglers and taken out to sea and who knows where. Can this be allowed to stand?

Sea Spoilers does not exactly stretch the intellect, but it's fun, nevertheless.

Nan Grey is spirited as Connie, the girlfriend. Her part is not large but she has a few good scenes—she directs some fiery speeches at the head bad guy (Russell Hicks), and she displays smarts when a swift escape becomes vitally necessary.

Hicks is a particularly nasty baddie; suave in appearance and manner, he exults in the early success of his evil plans and freely insults his captives and enemies.

Some minor subplots distract briefly, such as the young commander's fear of rough water, and the seal brought on board by the Duke's assistant and pal (Fuzzy Knight, as combination right hand man and comic relief). But it's really John Wayne's show: he plays a handsome, dutiful and daring young officer who's tall and strong and not a big talker. What's not to like?