Cast
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Victor McLaglen
as Crusher McKay
Chester Morris
as Doctor Craig
Wendy Barrie
as Ann Grayson
Alan Hale
as Gallagher
Barry Fitzgerald
as Britches
Allan Lane
as Bilson
Halliwell Hobbes
as Captain Mathews
Cy Kendall
as Deadeyes
Paul Guilfoyle
as Wishart
John Wray
as Metcalfe
Emory Parnell
as Olaf
Adia Kuznetzoff
as Silvio
John Bleifer
as Kovac
Ted Billings
as Stoker (uncredited)
Eddie Bracken
as Junior officer (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Lew Landers
Producer
- Robert Sisk
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Adventure/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Pacific Liner distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Lew Landers brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1939, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Pacific Liner took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 76 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2028 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1939, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Pacific Liner shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Castle of Fu Manchu, which focuses more on action than character development, Pacific Liner offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Mysterious Island and Fifteen Year Old Captain explore similar territory, Pacific Liner stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 6, 1939
- Runtime: 1h 16m
