The Long Voyage Home (1940)

100% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(554 ratings)

John Ford welded four of Eugene O'Neill's one-act plays about the sea, Bound East for Cardiff, The Long Voyage Home, The Zone, and Moon of the Caribees, into this melancholy film about wayfaring seamen, changing the setting from the turn of the century to WWII. This was O'Neill's favorite of the… More John Ford welded four of Eugene O'Neill's one-act plays about the sea, Bound East for Cardiff, The Long Voyage Home, The Zone, and Moon of the Caribees, into this melancholy film about wayfaring seamen, changing the setting from the turn of the century to WWII. This was O'Neill's favorite of the films based on his work, and he watched it often enough to eventually wear out his print. After a night of revelry in the West Indies, the crew of the SS Glencairn return to the tramp steamer and set sail for Baltimore. They're a varied lot, from middle-aged Irishman Driscoll (Thomas Mitchell), to the young Swedish ex-farmer Ole Olsen (John Wayne), to the brooding Lord Jim-like Englishman Smitty (Ian Hunter). After the ship picks up a load of dynamite in Baltimore, the rough seas they encounter become especially nerve-racking to the crew, who are also concerned that Smitty might be a German spy. ~ Michael Costello, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: John Ford
Written By: Dudley Nichols
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Nov 11, 1940 Wide
On DVD: Jun 6, 2006
Studio: Criterion Collection

Critic Reviews

Christopher Lloyd, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Less a plot-driven movie than a meandering look at the nomadic men who make their lives on the high seas for various reasons.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Shot by master cinematographer Gregg Toland, this is one of John Ford's most visually expressive film, one that also features the young John Wayne in a strong performance
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Mainly noted for the quality innovative photography done by cinematographer Gregg Toland.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
Features beautiful cinematography by Gregg Toland, no-frills direction by [John] Ford, and a great cast.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Lesser John Ford, but still a haunting production.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Conner R

I really love this movie for being so completely unique and moody. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking and the way John Ford manipulates the camera is completely revolutionary. This is from what I can tell one of the first anti-war messages for WWII, it's very direct… More
I really love this movie for being so completely unique and moody. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking and the way John Ford manipulates the camera is completely revolutionary. This is from what I can tell one of the first anti-war messages for WWII, it's very direct and not overdone or sappy. This has great characters, an ensemble drama that should never be forgotten.
Burger S

Story of a mixed bunch a merchant sailors. It's funny to hear John Wayne play a Swede. His accent is almost as bad as Jamie Lee Curtis's one in Trading Places, and that was on purpose. Thomas Mitchell is a character as always.

Cast

            John Wayne as Ole Olsen

            Thomas Mitchell as Aloysius Driscoll

            Ian Hunter as Thomas "Smitty" Fenwick

            Barry Fitzgerald as Cocky

            Wilfred Lawson as Captain

            Mildred Natwick as Freda

            John Qualen as Axel Swanson

            Ward Bond as Yank

            Arthur Shields as Donkeyman

            Joe Sawyer as Davis

            J.M. Kerrigan as Limehouse crimp

            Rafaela Ottiano as Tropical Woman

            Billy Bevan as Joe Limehouse barman

            Danny Borzage as Tim

            Bing Conley as Limehouse Roustabout

            Carmen D'Antonio as Bumboat Girl

            Lowell Drew as Blind Man

            James Flavin as Dock Policeman

            Constantin Frenke as Narvey

            J. Warren Kerrigan
            
            Guy Kingsford as London Policeman

            Elena Martinez as Bumboat Girl

            Cyril McLaglen as First Mate

            Art Miles as Captain of Amindra

            Carmen Morales as Bumboat Girl

            Lionel Pape as Mr. Clifton

            Robert Perry as Paddy

            Constantine Romanoff as Big Frank

            Lee Shumway as Dock Policeman

            Wyndham Standing as British Naval Officer

            Sammy Stein as Seaman

            Harry Tenbrook as Max

            Douglas Walton as Young 2nd Mate on 'Glencairn'

            Blue Washington as Cook

            David Hilary Hughes as Scotty

            Jack Pennick as Johnny Bergman

            Harry Woods as First Mate of Amindra

            Judith Linden as Bumboat Girl

            Tina Menard as Bumboat Girl

            Leslie Sketchley as London Policeman

            Lita Cortez
            
            Jane Crowley as Kate

            Ky Robinson as Limehouse Roustabout

            Maureen Roden-Ryan as Mag

            Wilfrid Lawson
            
See full cast