Cast
View AllTom Gamble
as Nobby Clark
Edward Rigby
as Joe Clark
Jean Gillie
as Nancy
Michael Wilding
as Dick
Marion Gerth
as Mimi
Mavis Villiers
as Blondi
John Salew
as Henri
Henry B. Longhurst
as Admiral Drake
G.H. Mulcaster
as Admiral Reynolds
Dennis Wyndham
as Captain Raleigh
Ian McLean
as First C.I.D. Man
Joan Hickson
as Woman Carried Ashore
Jack Raine
as Hotel Manager (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Oswald Mitchell
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I'm all for a bit of mindless humour, but there are limits - and this nonsense gets perilously close. Tommy Gamble ("Nobby") was a journeyman stage actor from Manchester who landed this role with the more established Edward Rigby as "Joe" as a father and son team who join a river patrol tasked with thwarting Nazi spies. I suspect the budget was paid for by War Department - it is a really clumsy attempt at morale-boosting with some truly naff music hall style numbers peppered throughout. Keep a look out for Michael Wilding as "Dick", but then again, perhaps it's not worth the bother...
Jun 23, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Sailors Don't Care represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Oswald Mitchell 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 1940, 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 Sailors Don't Care took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 79 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1940, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sailors Don't Care shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dead Run, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Sailors Don't Care subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Secret Adversary and Q Planes explore similar territory, Sailors Don't Care stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 28, 1940
- Runtime: 1h 19m
