The World in His Arms (1952) User Reviews

An exciting colorful adventure, very entertaining...

[Nazi_Fighter_David · 8/10 · 2 February 2000]

In old San Francisco, Marina Selanova (Ann Blyth) - a dark-haired Russian countess on the run from imminent union to the ambitious prince Semyon (Carl Esmond) - implores Captain Jonathan Clark (Gregory Peck) to take her to Alaska after been rejected by his eternal rival Portugee (Anthony Quinn).

Jonathan, an American seal pirate, falls for the diminutive, fresh-faced brunette, while giving her a midnight tour of San Francisco—an impressive similar situation to Peck-Audrey Hepburn in William Wyler's "Roman Holiday."

On the eve of their wedding day, her odious Russian fiancé kidnaps her, and sails for Alaska taking her on his gunboat... He promises to kill her uncle unless she married him as it was originally planned...

The film's highlight is the outstanding windswept race between two boats led by Peck and Quinn from San Francisco harbor to the Fur Seal Islands off the coast of Alaska, with the winner acquiring the other's ship and crew to rescue the lovely heroine...

With her slightly oriental eyes and pleasant lyric soprano voice, Ann Blyth provides feminine decoration for this epic adventure...

Anthony Quinn gives a high-spirited performance as the cunning, sympathetic thief... Quinn is challenged in the film in a 'trial of strength,' an amusing drinking and wrestling bout..

Raoul Walsh's direction is simple, direct and muscular... As a popular entertainer he is confident with a sense of humor... His actions, fury, spirit, skill, ambition and unrestrained dreams remain his forte...

Classic adventure movie about a small group of adventurers facing off mean Russians for Alaska

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 13 June 2015]

History records the Unites States purchase of Alaska on March 30, 1867 . This was the realization of a dream that began many years before , when captain Jonathan Clark anchored his schooner , The Pilgrim of Salem , among a thousand abandoned ships that lay rotting in the harbor of San Francisco , 1850 . There captain Clark (Gregory Peck) romancing women and smuggling pelts from Islas Aleutinas and Alaska , Russia . Along the way he meets and woos a gorgeous Russian countess called Marina (Ann Blyth) in 1850 San Francisco . As it deals with a salty sea captain, a beautiful Russian countess, and the love that would span an ocean . Events separate them, but after a breathtaking sea race to the Pribilof Islands against Portugee (Anthony Quinn) they meet again ; now , both are in risk from the plans of villainous Prince Semyon (Carl Esmond) and General Ivan Vorashilov (Sig Ruman) .

This exciting as well as entertaining tale packs thrills , noisy action , spectacular struggles and lots of gutsy adventure . The flick relies heavily on a prologue in a San Francisco hotel , its results to be overlong and tiring . Brawling , sprawling , almost primitive action, teeming across the screen and being based on Rex Beach novel . Impressive images when the ships sail across thunderous seas and thrilling final when protagonists and enemies square off in a breathtaking climax . Raoul Walsh demonstrates a special talent for making the densest action sequences seem uncomplicated and uncluttered and his characters , like the scenes distinguished , often have an unfettered , raw power . Nice acting by Greagory Peck as roistering sea captain Jonathan Clark, who poaches seal pelts . Sympathetic interpretation from Anthony Quinn as rude as well as illiterate skipper . and a beautiful Anne Blyth as a countess who hides her noble origin , she does an enjoyable acting though didn't have a notorious career . Good secondary cast with familiar hearted features as John McIntire , Andrea King , Hans Conried , Rhys Williams , Brian Forbes and Sig Ruman . Thrilling as well as emotive musical score by the classic composer Frank Skinner . Colorful cinematography by Russell Metty , a nice cameraman expert on superproductions such as Spartacus , Sign of the Pagan , The War Lord , Counterpoint and Omega man . The movie was splendidly photographed on natural outdoors , Islands Aleutianas and Alaska through the courtesy of the United States Department of Interior National Park Service.

The motion picture lavishly produced by Aaron Resemberg was well directed by Raoul Walsh . From his starts in the silent cinema he achieved successful films until the 50s and forward , early 60s , when he was less dominant , but is still stayed lots of lusty adventure , stories of comradeship and friendship , and Raoul makes the most of plentiful action scenes . Walsh was an expert director of all kind genres but with penchant in Western as ¨Colorado territory¨ , ¨They died with their boots on¨, ¨Along the great divide¨, ¨Saskatchewan¨, ¨King and four queens¨ , ¨The sheriff of fractured jaw¨, ¨A distant trumpet¨ ; Adventure as ¨Thief of Bagdad¨, ¨Captain Horatio Hornblower¨, ¨World in his hands¨, ¨Blackbeard the pirate¨ , ¨Sea devils¨ ; Warlike as ¨Objetive Burma¨ , ¨Northern pursuit¨, ¨Marines let's go¨ ; and Noir film as ¨White heat¨, ¨High Sierra¨, ¨They drive by night¨, ¨The roaring twenties¨. Rating : Fairly straightforward movie and above average . This interesting adventure and action film makes it of the finest of Raoul Walsh genre entries.

434th Review: Great fun boys adventure - with some excellent sailing sequences

[intelearts · 8/10 · 21 June 2011]

Sometimes you just want to watch real adventure and romance and escape. TWWIHA is that and more, shot in Technicolor and full of character and characters this is escapist melodrama at its best.

Gregory Peck plays the Boston Man, a sailor and a sealer, who lands in port and finds love unexpectedly with a Russian countess. Set against the politics of the purchase of Alaska the film spends the first hour in port and then follows 20 minutes of the best sailing sequences caught on film: two tall masters sailing fullspeed and captured to great effect on film, with gaff sails, bumkins, and bowsprits furling this is one of my favorite sailing scenes from any film.

All in all, this is a wonderful romantic adventure film and a terrific way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Not as grand as the title suggests, but a Good Movie

[ebiros2 · 14 December 2011]

Gregory Peck is a pirate that sails his ship all over the northern pacific. He picks up, or gets picked by the Russian countess to extricate her from her fiancé, and take her to Alaska. He winds up in heap of trouble as a result, but during their voyage both fall in love with each other that leads him into even more trouble.

Very good movie about a daring ship captain, and the romance that goes with it. There's something about a high seas adventure that's both romantic and exciting. Add a romance between a rough sea captain and a noble lady, you have one excellent romantic adventure that appeals to all audiences. I've seen this movie since I was a kid, and always enjoyed it every time I saw it.

This is one of the best pirate theme movie made in the golden age of Hollywood. It's still entertaining to watch after half a century of time.

Beautiful as a Glowing Jewel; a Very-Well Acted Historical Adventure

[silverscreen888 · 7/10 · 23 June 2005]

This is a glossy film in the best sense of the word. Rex Beach's novel has been brought to brilliant and only-occasionally-slick life here by director Raoul Walsh. The film is both lively and humorous, fast-paced and occasionally profound thanks to the screenplay by veterans Borden Chase and Horace McCoy. It is also an adventure, a love story and an historical snapshot of an expansive era that is colorful and different. Much of it takes place in The Pribiloff Islands, homeground to fur seals behind overhunted by Russians. Some part takes place in Seattle, and some in Russian Alaska. The locales provide a field day for cinematographer Russell Mettey, costume designer Bill Thomas, Joan St. Oegger in charge of hair styling and Bud Westmore, the makeup head. Julia Heron's sets are as always stunning. But what saves this magazine-level storyline from being ordinary I claim is the intricacy of its historical plot, and the acting by everyone concerned. Much is done to make Gregory Peck as "The Boston Man" imposing, a name to be admired and important. it is one of Peck's liveliest characterizations, and he more than lives up to his billing. He is aided by Ann Blyth's best-ever performance as the Russian noblewoman pretending to be an ordinary girl, Anthony Quinn as a rival Portuguese skipper, John McIntire, Eugenie Leontovich, Andrea King, Hans Conreid, suave villain Carl Esmond, Rhys Williams, Sig Ruman and Byran Forbes. This would be a great cast in any film; but here the accent is on liberty versus its opposite; there is a nagging sense in the film that the era of expansion may be ending and only those who dream big and honest dreams will be able to reap the benefits of that expansion. The Russians, at least Esmond, have a different idea--brutality, theft and the extermination of all who oppose them. A curious incident in the film has Peck, grieving over his lost girl--Blyth has been coerced into fleeing him to save her father's life by marrying Esmoond--and he turns on the Portugee, Quinn, who is then crowding him at sea, and disables his ship. The incident is telling; he apologizes, plans to make it up to his obnoxious friend; the incident shows that he is not like the Russian badmen he is soon to challenge and overcome. It is the beauty of the love scenes, the adventure-level interesting characters and the splendid glowing feel of the whole film that set it apart. The climactic battle leads to a lovely denouement and ending, as Peck and Blyth sail home together, and the captain at last has "the world in his arms". This is a film that occasionally takes the path of easy humor and swiftness; but it is very well-acted, and very enjoyable as an adventure, for many reasons.

decent

[KyleFurr2 · 7/10 · 23 August 2005]

This was only one of two films that Gregory Peck and Raoul Walsh made together, the other being Captain Horatio Hornblower the year before. Gregory Peck plays a sea captain in San Franisco who is basically the top man in town and Anthony Quinn is a sort of friend and rival. In the first scene, Peck goes to rescue his men after being stolen by Quinn. The real villain turns out to be some Russians, whom Peck can't stand. Peck meets Ann Blyth, who is also a Russian, but Peck doesn't know that at first and agrees to marry her. She wants to get to Alaska for some reason and Peck wants to buy Alaska for ten million. Gregory Peck is sort of miscast in this part and you don't buy it when Peck knocks out Quinn with one punch. A pretty good film if you don't expect much.

From Sanfancisco to Russia with sails!

[raskimono · 7/10 · 25 June 2005]

This insufficient movie was made in the fifties when a flamboyant pretty boy famous for tough, staunch, dramatic parts and deep performances decides to go the matinée idol/swashbuckler route. This movie followed Peck's earlier and similar Captain Horatio Hornblower and the Fox big budget muck, David and Bathsheba. Captain Horatio was a big hit in the United States but the fate of this movie domestically was not as good. But as many big budget productions that struggle at home, they make a killing or reduce the losses overseas as this movie was number six at the UK box office and top 10 in 1952 in many other countries. Peck is actually good in the role of the gregarious pirate - way better than in Captain Horatio where I felt he was miscast - he seems to sink his teeth into the role of a lovable scalawag with a gritty mien. He walks the part, lashes the part, and punches the part. One could only wonder why he did not bring this kind of intensity to his role of the "bad seed" in Duel in the sun. The movie sorely needed it. While this kind of movies are supposed to light and flimsy, I must say that I think this movie is way too light. Fights happen for no apparent reason than to fight. Portugee brilliantly played by the great actor Anthony Quinn is loud and lascivious and is a great counterpart to Peck's ravenous appetite for calamity. The plot so to speak involves a Russian girl who does not want to leave the haven of San Francisco to return to the obviously evil and vile fiancée. So she needs to get on a boat to get her out. Enter Peck, romance and love. But alas, Mr. Vile and Evil shows up, twirling mustache in hand and kidnaps her. The rest of this movie is as follows................... You get the point. Raoul Walsh who was one of Hollywood's most successful directors at the box office with very few flops throughout his career directs the action scenes with unusual zest even for him. The score is rousing and gives the sailing sequences a palpating calumny. Blyth is terrible in this role and I don't even think she is very pretty. She does not even try to do a Russian accent but speaks with a clear mid-western undertone. And last of all, the final line in this movie is surely a contender for one of the corniest lines ever delivered on screen. You have hear it and see the shot that follows and try not to laugh out loud.

I like it!

[hbelova-1 · 10/10 · 28 September 2006]

Fascinating movie! I felt pleasure in this story. Though at first I did not want to watch it. I'm the Russian and I believe Hollywood makes fables about Russia as it had turned out with this movie. There were a trite Russian tavern, cossacks, balalaikas, the plaintive Russian songs, the funny Russian aristocracy. There were some Russian names sounding strange for the Americans. The Americans do not know that the Russians have a name and patronymic. The Russian countess is not too bad, even it was possible to keep noble pallor and some aristocratic manners. The countess' servant was speaking in Russian almost without accent. Though the countess' dresses were in a British manner. But above all it was LOVE. And Alaska, sold to the USA, played not such large role. Certainly, it was impossible for the Russian, Orthodox countess got married with the Catholic American in a church. And Marina Selanova and Prince Semyon wanted to get married into strange place that was absolutely not similar to an orthodox temple. But it did not irritate me. It would be better, if this movie was made in Russia. But sometimes I believed this movie was made in Russia. I believe Gregory Peck was the best choice for this role. The American steadfast captain and the Russian charming countess were beautiful couple. With what other American could the Russian countess fall in love? Jonathan Clark looked very well and manly. He was smart, just, thoughtful and slightly imprudent. The final scene was dazzling beautiful and it had no equal even DiCaprio's Titanic. I saw this scene at picture and decided to watch this movie and I did not regret. I'm so sorry it was not released on DVD. But in Russia it is easy to buy VHS. We like it!

Miscast Peck in Lively Colorful Tale of the Sea

[dglink · 7/10 · 31 August 2020]

If viewers can overlook the improbable romance between a seafaring seal hunter and a petite Russian countess, "The World in His Arms" is a lively, good-natured movie from director Raoul Walsh. Jonathan Clark is the womanizing captain of a seal-hunting schooner that poaches in Russian-Alaska waters during the mid-19th century. Considered little more than a pirate, Clark competes with Portugee, a colorful rival for women, crew, and seal pelts. The on-shore drinking and brawling are interrupted when Clark encounters Marina, a Russian royal, who has been unwillingly betrothed by the Tsar to a Prince.

The film is an Errol Flynn adventure without Errol Flynn. Gregory Peck was cast as Clark in a role better suited to either a Flynn or a Sterling Hayden. The refined, always-a-gentleman Peck is unconvincing as a womanizer, boozer, and carouser, and the suggestion that the tall slender actor could physically best the brawny robust Anthony Quinn as Portugee undercuts credibility. The loud, boisterous Quinn steals his every scene, and Hans Conried as a hotel clerk is also amusing in a small role. Icily beautiful Ann Blyth is adequate as the countess, but the delicate actress's attraction for a rough virile seaman, who smells of seals and fish, fails to convince.

Based on a novel of the same title by Rex Beach, the film was beautifully lensed by Russell Metty, who captures the gaudy costumes and tumultuous seascapes in glorious Technicolor. Director Walsh maintains a steady pace, which reaches a climax in an exciting race between Clark and Portugee, each helming their own schooners through Alaskan waters. While no actual seal killing is depicted, Clark's crew walk amongst them with clubs, their cruel intent evident. In an unconvincing attempt at justification, one seaman explains that the Russians are decimating the seal colonies, while the Americans only kill bachelor seals that would die by nature anyway. Despite the lame environmental message and unconvincing romance, "The World in His Arms" is entertaining escapist fun that is family friendly.

A throwback to a style of film made years ago...

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 25 July 2009]

THE WORLD IN HIS ARMS is the sort of film Hollywood made in the 1930s and early 40s and might have starred John Wayne, Errol Flynn, James Cagney or Edward G. Robinson--it's very easy to imagine any of these men in such a formulaic programmer. By the 1950s, such adventure films were practically gone--replaced with more realistic films about more contemporary topics. Now I am NOT complaining about this film--I happen to like these old fashioned films. Sure, the characters and situations were unrealistic, but this sort of escapism is something many will enjoy.

As for the choice of Gregory Peck, he wasn't bad--even though he isn't generally the "type" to play this sort of macho role. Now this isn't to say that Peck wasn't manly enough, but seeing him as a guy who loves loose women, fighting and chaos is certainly a departure from his typical film! Even such seafaring films as CAPTAIN HORATIO HORNBLOWER and MOBY DICK feature Peck in a much more somber, intellectual and dependable sort of man than the slightly crazy Captain Clark in THE WORLD IN HIS ARMS. Again, I am not complaining--just pointing out that this role is a departure for Peck.

Peck's love interest in the film is Ann Blyth, who is quite lovely but also appears too young for Peck. This is due to Blyth looking much younger than she was (24) and because the height difference between them (more than a foot) tended to make her look even younger. She wasn't bad--just an unusual choice.

The film begins in San Francisco. Peck and his crew have just arrived with a ship filled with seal furs. They are rich and in a mood to celebrate. However, an envoy from a Russian Princess (Blyth) tries to engage the ship to take her to safety (she is running from an arranged marriage). Peck refuses outright--he just wants to unwind and have fun. In an odd move, Blyth herself meets Peck and doesn't identify who she is. Peck is taken with her and makes plans to marry her--at which point the Russian husband she is supposed to marry shows up to claim his bride--leaving Peck disappointed and furious. Will Peck catch up to this Princess? Will she be able to avoid a loveless marriage? Well, tune in for yourself and see.

The film has a lot of pluses. First, the color print and cinematography are just lovely. It's the sort of 1950s color that is bold and prettier than real life but not as bold and garish as early Technicolor. Combined with a rousing musical score, the film has lovely aesthetics. The film also features some excellent actors. In addition to Peck and Blyth, Anthony Quinn in on hand in a not particularly subtle but enjoyable role as Peck's nemesis as is John McIntire--an under-appreciated but excellent supporting actor (who, in parts of this film, looks like the spitting image of General Sherman).

Now the film is not without its faults. There is a rather poor use of rear projection in the seal hunting scenes--even by 1950s standards. Also, the story, at times, seems more like comic book or dime novel due to characters who are not exactly believable. It's the sort of film, however, with no pretensions--it's not high art or an Oscar contender and never seemed like it was intended as this.

Overall, a great adventure film for you to just turn off your brain and enjoy. Great old time fun.

By the way, much of the film revolves around seal hunting, which wasn't considered such a big deal in 1952. Starting in the 1960s, worldwide opposition to seal harvesting became an issue and so today some might hate this movie. Try to keep it in historical context and enjoy the film for what it is.

By the way, considering how evil and stupid the Russians are generally shown to be in this film, I wonder if perhaps it was all meant as a metaphor for US-Soviet relations at the time?

North to Alaska..Go North the Rush is On!

[bsmith5552 · 6/10 · 25 October 2018]

In "The World in His Arms", the two leads are horribly miscast. Gregory Peck plays a roguish sea captain in a part more suitable for Errol Flynn and Ann Blyth does not make a convincing Russian Countess. Despite Raoul Walsh being the director, he wasn't able to reign in Anthony Quinn as Peck's rival. That being said, it did had some of the makings of a good adventure film.

Captain Jonathan Clark (Peck) and his crew incuding First Mate Deacon (John McIntyre) and Eskimo Ogeechuk (Bill Radovitch) and his pet seal land in 1850 San Francisco for some fun and games. The crew gets shanghaied by Portegee (Quinn) a rascally pirate rival to Clark. A Russian Countess Marina Selanova (Blyth) wants to hire a ship to take her and her entourage to Alaska where her uncle (Sig Ruman) is the Russian Governor General. She is trying to escape Prince Semyon (Carl Esmond) whom she is being forced to marry. And oh yes, Clark is trying to arrange the purchase of Alaska from the Russians for $10 million. Alaska was indeed purchased from Russia but not until 1867.

Clark frees his men and meets the Countess who poses as a servant. Of course they fall in love and plan to marry. Prince Semyon arrives on the scene and whisks the Countess off to Alaska. Clark left at the altar so to speak is despondent. He is outraged when he finds out who his fiancé really is and believes she deserted him.

Clark challenges Portagee to a race to Alaska in their respective schooners with the prize being title to both boats. In the best part of the movie, the two captains try to outsmart the other until Prince Semyon's gun boat arrives on the scene and sinks Portagee's boat. Clark and his crew are arrested and imprisoned. The Countess visits Clark in prison and in one of the unlikeliest moments in the film, the two kiss and make up.

To gain the freedom of Clark, Portagee and the crew, the Countess promises to marry the Prince. He agrees. While heading for home, Clark and his merry men decide to break up the marriage and in a scene right from "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938).......................................................................

High seas and NW history are setting for a first-rate movie

[SimonJack · 9/10 · 21 April 2013]

Start with history, add adventure and scenery, toss in a romance, sprinkle it with humor, and top it off with action. That's the recipe for a very entertaining and outstanding movie. It describes "The World in His Arms." Others have discussed the plot of the film, so I'll skip to some of the highlights.

First, it has historical value. Few films have been made about that time and place in history, and it gives a good picture of life and politics in the early years of Alaska settlement. The locale shooting in the Pacific Northwest adds to the authenticity, as well as the spectacular scenery.

Second, the scenery and cinematography are outstanding. Even fewer movies have included Alaska seal hunting, and again the location and scenery are most impressive here. The Americans and others who go in search of seal furs in Alaska are poachers in Russian territory. But, one scene describes how Gregory Peck's ship practices conservation of the seal population, whereas the Russians tend to slaughter whole populations without such regard.

Third, the big cast of top drawer actors is perfect for this film. That includes all of them. I don't agree with a couple reviewers, including one whom I enjoy and watch for often. They think that Gregory Peck was miscast. I can see that if someone has a particular image or demeanor or character about an actor burned into his or her imagination, it may be difficult to appreciate that person in roles that don't seem to conform. But, greater enjoyment of movies is in store for those of us who don't typecast actors. And, when an actor plays a role that is rare or unusual for him, it can be an even bigger treat for the audience. Such is the case with Peck in this film, I think. Instead of Charlton Heston, John Wayne, or Kirk Douglas for this role, I think Peck gives it an air of freshness.

Fourth, the sailing scenes and action are outstanding. Although these aren't the man-o-war type of large ships in this film, they are of the fast schooner type of vessels. The cinematography of the sea race is some of the best filming of sailing that I have seen in movies.

Other aspects of the movie add immensely to its quality and enjoyment -- the romance, the humor, and the action. Production aspects are all first-rate - costumes, script, and directing. "The World in His Arms" is a great addition to any film library.

Most of the cast give top performances. Besides the three leads played by Gregory Peck, Ann Blyth and Anthony Quinn, this film had several well-known supporting actors of the day. John McIntire, Hans Conried, Rhys William, and Sig Ruman are very good in their roles. Only one significant role was lacking -- Carl Esmond seemed wooden as Prince Semyon

While the film takes place in an historical setting, the characters are fictitious. The movie is based on a book by American author Rex Beach, who wrote many novels of adventure, action and drama. "The World in His Arms" of 1946, was one of several books set in Alaska where Beach had spent five years, including a stint at prospecting for gold. Although little read today, some of his books were top sellers in the early 20th century. Beach may be among the most prolific of modern authors to have had movies based on his works - 37 in all.

Of course, the U. S. did purchase Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867, for $7.2 million. While some critics called it "Seward's Foley" (after William Seward, who was then U. S. Secretary of State), most could see the wisdom of the deal. Russians had first arrived in Alaska in 1732, and in 1799 the Russian-American Company was established to hunt for fur - mostly seal skins. But, Russia didn't colonize the territory. Instead, the largest communities sprang up around churches that were built by Russian Orthodox missionaries. The history of Russian America and the U. S. purchase and establishment of Alaska, which became a state in 1959, is quite fascinating. Very few Russians moved there, and shortly after the sale, most - but not all, left and returned to Russia.

There were some 30 Russian Orthodox churches in Alaska in the early 21st century. Most are historic sites and some are still active parishes. All are in the southern part of the state and the Aleutian Islands. While most are in remote areas or small villages, the most accessible and visited churches are in Sitka, Kenai, Kodiak, and Juneau. Those who take an inland passage cruise to Alaska usually stop at Juneau where one can see and visit St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church.

Here are some favorite lines from this film.

Deacon Greathouse, "Woe unto you, Jonathan. Women! The mouths of these women are smoother than oil, but the end is bitter as wormwood."

William Cleggett, "He can't be serious about buying Alaska." Eben Cleggett, "Of course he's serious. The man is fabulous mad. He's impossible. But if he's decided to buy Alaska, he'll buy it."

Portugee, "Very strange people, these Russians. They give you money, they want it back. Between you and me, I think he's a thief."

Capt. Jonathan Clark, "Did you find Joe Sweeney down at the city treasurer's office?" Eustace, Hotel Clerk, "No. Unfortunately, no, sir. Mr. Sweeney's being hanged this evening. They checked his accounts and it seems they discovered a slight case of embezzlement." Capt. Clark, "Oh, it's too bad. He was a great man with the bottle. There are very few of us left."

More "swagger" needed here

[dinky-4 · 6/10 · 18 October 2001]

While this movie aspires to be one of those brawling, lusty, two-fisted adventures, it never quite takes off. Part of the problem lies in the miscasting of Gregory Peck. He's fine in quiet, thoughtful roles but lacks the swaggering pizazz needed to bring off this part. Burt Lancaster or even Kirk Douglas would have been a better choice.

The rest of the production is good-looking, (benefiting from the apt casting of Ann Blyth as a Russian aristocrat), and it offers a mild degree of entertainment but it all seems a bit too mild, a bit too limited.

Typical of the movie's lack of flair is the scene in which Peck is flogged. (This does not occur in Rex Beach's novel.) Aha, you think -- beefcake and blood! But rather than ripping off his shirt, Peck's flogger merely tears open its back, and after seven lashes, the only marks visible on Peck are a few discreet red lines which might have been drawn on him with the sharpened tip of a lipstick. And during the flogging, Peck never winces nor groans but simply stands stoically as if he's mentally going over that evening's dinner menu. He should have taken how-to-be-whipped lessons from Alan Ladd. Now, there's an actor who really knew how to writhe!

Wacky Waste of Talent

[trescia-1 · 5/10 · 19 January 2022]

Some of the very best actors in Hollywood were teamed up with the best special effects people, and what passed for an acceptable action story in those days (unacceptable to seals, though!) and the whole package was assigned to a guy who was better as a Hollywood icon than as a human being-- Raoul Walsh.

The result might have been worthwhile if it had been four hours long. Yeah, a story this convoluted would have worked out fine at around four hours. Like a modern TV series on Netflix or Amazon. But as it is, the story is told in an hour and a half! It grinds on for nearly an HOUR of fiddling about in a San Francisco Hotel-- with a bunch of drunken revelry taking the place of a plot.

Once everybody sobers-up and we FINALLY get to sea, the movie is more than half over and everything feels rushed and sorta dumb. I mean, you get seal hunting and ship racing and gun fights and Cossacks and plots to buy Alaska and court intrigue and Russian steam-punks with real steamers, and, and-- well the little kid in me is out of breath trying to tell it all.

The end result of all this hap-hazard direction is a bit of a mess. Was Raoul Walsh a great director-- or did he have the dirt on some studio bosses?? We'll never know for sure...

romantic

[Kirpianuscus · 13 April 2017]

with a lot of senses for this word. because, like each love story, the romanticism is the lead ingredient to define it. but the love story represents only a part for its seduction source. the pure adventure, like in the great films from "50 s, the admirable confrontation between Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn, the Russian in Alaska and the easy portrait of them in the Cold War period, the title and its meaning, the images and dialogues, Gregory Peck and his great job in a role who seems be, at the first sight, so far by him, all are ingredients of a splendid chain of romanticism nuances who impose this film like a great example of splendid cinema.

Man of Boston, the Portuguese and the Russian Princess!!!

[elo-equipamentos · 7/10 · 29 May 2019]

My first watch on 2010 wasn't enough to make sure about this production, then l had scheduled a rereading, after that l have finally reach somewhere, even Gregory Peck has been in this time a promising actor certainly didn't hit the target, a bunch of nasty and filthy drunkards causing disturbance on a high class hotel is unreliable, Anthony Quinn as Portuguese neither, has the same bad behavior, such excesses make many damages on the credibility of the picture itself, it's seems just a horde of Pirates who had a sort of a contest between them as suggest on the sea Pilgrim vs. Santa Izabel, to a change the most interesting and acceptable character by fair is John Ireland, by the way the only man with something on brain, the romantic pair Peck and Ann Blyth had just one night to find in love each other, it just could happen in movies, a lady who was born in a golden bed didn't act like this, just supposedly, the final battle at Russian ground and how it gonna happen is too enforced, also they return with a little bargain with the Russians "The Alaska" not too bad to a couple months at the sea, Raoul Walsh was a classy director but this turn boarded in a wrong boat!!!

Resume:

First watch: 2010 / How many: 2 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.25

Greg Was Wrongly Cast

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 3 September 2007]

Sad to say that the miscast Gregory Peck brings down The World in His Arms down to the level of an ordinary action/adventure film than a classic. I agree with the reviewer who says that Gregory Peck was way too much the gentlemen to be believable as Jonathan Clark the lusty captain of a sealing vessel. I'd agree that Burt or Kirk would have been better. I'd even add John Wayne as a better choice and Universal studios had Jeff Chandler under contract and he would have been better in the part.

Adapted from a Rex Beach novel, The World in His Arms has Ann Blyth looking to get to Sitka from San Francisco where she will be safe because uncle Sig Ruman is the Governor of the territory. Why in the world she would be less safe in the USA as opposed to what was Russian territory at the time, I can't figure out. Because she's trying to avoid a match to a no account count played by Carl Esmond. Trouble is that Carl's got the Czar's blessing for the marriage.

Ann gets both Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn who is Peck's rival in the sealing trade in heat over who will take care her. In the end she goes with neither, but Peck and Quinn race to Sitka to pursue her where they fall in the hands of Esmond who has got Ruman by the short Russian hairs so to speak. Go figure why Ann thought she was safer there.

The sailing sequences are nice and the best performance in the film is from Anthony Quinn. Come to think of it, he would have been better in the lead. His performance is followed very closely by John McIntire as Peck's first mate and Hans Conreid as a flustered hotel clerk.

The World in His Arms also has one of the best action directors around in Raoul Walsh. A better cast leading man might even have made up for some of the deficiencies in the plot. Still everyone in the cast has been in worse films.

With a couple of songs, they could have cast Nelson Eddy in the lead.

For love-story and pulp-fiction lovers

[jgcorrea · 7/10 · 25 November 2019]

A Russian Countess runs away from an arranged marriage to a Russian Prince and falls into the arms of an American seaman. Raoul Walsh's seafaring adventure film starring Gregory Peck, Ann Blyth and Anthony Quinn was based on a novel by Rex Beach. It is really the climax - a race between the schooners - that you'll rent this picture to see. It may not make sense to professional sailors - but, man, did it blow the boys down in the audience!

The mad sailing race from San Francisco to Alaska in 1867

[clanciai · 10/10 · 11 October 2021]

This is one of the best high sea adventure films ever made, and the highlight of it is the sailing race between Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn on two different ships with a bet that the one who wins gets both ships. To this wonderful, resplendent adventure drama is added a beautiful girl, of course, and not just anyone, but Ann Blyth as a dazzling Russian princess. The first half of the film is all in San Francisco in splendid sumptuousness regarding costumes, colours, scenery and rowdy fights, and these rowdy fights keep entertaining you throughout the film - there are always new ones, almost Raoul Walsh's speciality. You could hardly wish for a more thrillingly accomplished adventure film, and although Gregory Peck is considered miscast Anthony Quinn certainly is not - this is his first great part as the overwhelmingly hearty ruffian who shares everything with everyone including his booze with constant and roaring laughs all the way. Raoul Walsh must have enjoyed making this film and Anthony Quinn also, while the ladies are a little bit too fine for it. A great advantage is that the Russians actually speak Russian, and dubbed into Russian this film must be a great treat for Russians. It's all about the American purchase of Alaska in 1867, around which the intrigue is constructed with meticulous care. Gregory Peck is always good, but he was seldom in such a good film as this one.

The World in His Arms

[lachezarmatneshliev · 9/10 · 23 February 2024]

The confidence of the 20th century, I have no doubt, that the Soviet Union has great potential, before communism set up their ideology, equilibrium, coming soon from Russian Empire inspiration, the basis of a good interview is inquisitive about the person. It is what creates the quality meaningful dialogue, which becomes a full-fledged communication between two people, also an interesting read for others. To be honest, I don't remember the first sex very clearly. Now, with the wisdom of my age, I guess it was probably because I couldn't run fast enough... Maybe my mind has obligingly erased the memory of the first sex, as I hope in time it will obligingly erase the memory as well as the gravity -- meaning madness..!? The fate of the submitted documentation and offer is unknown and looks more like a James Bond movie. The team is placed in an almost absolute impasse. Adulterers! If we don't go through The Asphalt Jungle or African Queen, we'll have to rely on Strangers on the Train or The Big Sleep. Still, it's a good thing that we're repairing Sunset Boulevard, not him repairing us, as he did in 1492: Conquest of Paradise. We've already talked about how our interests were as represented at the signing of Frank Capra's "Life is Wonderful" peace treaty as Sinatra's lyrics are currently represented. The show made its biggest impact in the public space during the "Interstellar" when all political forces and candidates recognized it as the most important and authoritative television appearance. It is not by chance that the two presidential candidates - Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn - choose the "Slavi Show -- Over the Top" for their final debate, just one day before the elections. This debate is the most watched television show in Bulgaria of all time..!?

Not a Favorite

[ldeangelis-75708 · 5/10 · 26 March 2023]

The best I can say, is it's okay but nothing special. Despite all the talented actors (Gregory Peck, Ann Blyth, Anthony Quinn, John McIntire), and some exciting nautical scenes (battles and storms at sea) and close-ups of seals (including an albino one) along with a statement for animal rights, there just wasn't enough to the movie, and what there was tended to be too over the top, like the (one too many) fight scenes, and an unbelievable romance between Ann (Russian royalty) and Gregory (captain from Boston with a reputation) that had no chemistry at all.

If you skip this one, it's no big deal.

A Swashbuckler with Propaganda!

[schweinhundt1967 · 5 January 2003]

I find myself in agreement with other critics,who feel that Peck was not the best choice for the role of Captain Clark.Swashbuckling with lots of action and derring-do really wasn't his thing.And yet,he does it as well as might have been expected.But rowdy,boisterous heroes will not be what we remember him for.Nonetheless,this is still quite an enjoyable film.

There happens to be a mild amount of Cold War propaganda in this movie,if you know what to look for.At one point,Clark tells Marina that the Russian policy,of rapaciously hunting the seal herds in the islands,without thought for preservation of the species continuance,will lead to extermination.And,later on Deacon Greathouse makes the exact same point to William.My research,however,indicates that the Russians were no more greedy or brutal than any other hunters in that period.So,I feel that we're getting a little bit of 1950s anti-Soviet slur in here.It's just a sign of the times.

FURTHER NOTE:The Americans sneak into the palace to rescue Marina dressed as Orthodox priests,including veils which disguise the lower parts of their faces.This is a total inaccuracy.I come from an Eastern Orthodox background,and the priests NEVER did this!

Really stupid

[HotToastyRag · 2/10 · 10 August 2017]

I guess every decade has their fair share of stupid movies. In the 1952, The World in His Arms was added to that list. Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn play opposing sea captains, and while Gregory Peck is trying to negotiate a deal to purchase the land of Alaska—this is a period piece—Ann Blythe, a Russian countess, tries to persuade him to sail her and her grandmother to Alaska from San Francisco. She's engaged to someone else, then engaged to Gregory Peck, then engaged to the first man again—it all gets rather confusing, and it's not interesting enough to really care about untangling the mess.

There's a famous boat battle scene from this movie, but I can't imagine anyone in modern audiences finding it exciting. The blue-screen is laughable, but maybe in 1952 audiences were fooled by "technology" used in the scene. I was almost put to sleep by this movie, and actually groaned at the corniness of the last line of dialogue. Save your time and watch anything else.

Cold war

[dbdumonteil · 20 December 2009]

When you have seen Gregory Peck and Ann Blyth at the helm,you'll know where James Cameron stole his famous Di Caprio/Winslet scene from .Besides ,the two heroes are a man of common birth and an aristocrat .There the comparison ends.

The first part may seem talky and is closer to comedy.But after the countess's abduction,adventure and drama reassert themselves .

The screenplay is rather derivative-particularly the love story- ,but the way the writers depict the Russians and the Americans is very interesting:the first ones despise those "Nouveaux Riches " ,they call them barbarians, they enslave their fellow men ,they are sadistic brutes .On the other hand ,the Yankees see their enemy as people from the past ,and they are ahead of their time ,for they already understood ,more than one hundred years ago ,that killing too many seals would endanger the ecological balance .