Verdict of the Sea
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Elstree , United Kingdom |
Verdict of the Sea is a 1932 British adventure film co-directed by Frank Miller and Sidney Northcote. The cast features John Stuart, Moira Lynd, and Cyril McLaglen. This production was handled by British International Pictures, which was the leading British film studio during that era. Filming took place both at Elstree Studios and on various locations. The storyline is adapted from a novel authored by Alan Sullivan, with the film’s visual design created by David Rawnsley.
Plot
Fenn, the strict second officer aboard a merchant vessel, faces difficulty enlisting crew members at London's docks for an upcoming trip to Singapore due to his severe demeanor. Eventually, he persuades a destitute yet articulate middle-class man known as "Gentleman" Burton to join the voyage. Once at sea, Burton captures the interest of Paddy, the captain’s daughter, which stirs jealousy in Fenn who desires to wed her despite her aversion toward him. Fenn attempts to coerce Burton into abandoning ship at their initial stop through bribery; when Burton declines, Fenn orchestrates a kidnapping by criminals. However, Paddy forces Fenn to intervene and rescue Burton, a task he accomplishes.
During a stopover on an island, a group of British criminals plots to steal diamonds from a local shopkeeper. The captain consents to safeguard the diamonds en route to Singapore, but the criminals seize control of the ship and threaten the crew. In response, Fenn and Burton collaborate to thwart the hijackers, securing a safe arrival in Singapore. There, after revealing he left his previous career as a doctor for personal reasons, Burton and Paddy decide to marry. Meanwhile, Fenn departs in pursuit of command over his own vessel.
Cast
- John Stuart as Gentleman Burton
- Moira Lynd as Paddy
- Cyril McLaglen as Fenn
- David Miller as Captain
- Hal Walters as Shorty
- Harold Saxon-Snell as Myers
- Bill Shine as Slim
- Fred Rains as Martin
References
Bibliography
- Low, Rachael. Filmmaking in 1930s Britain. George Allen & Unwin, 1985.
- Wood, Linda. British Films, 1927-1939. British Film Institute, 1986.
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1932 films
- British adventure films
- 1932 adventure films
- 1930s English-language films
- Films shot at British International Pictures Studios
- Seafaring films
- Films set in London
- Films set in Singapore
- British black-and-white films
- 1930s British films
- English-language adventure films