SONS OF THE SEA/ ATLANTIC FERRY

UK, 1941, minutes, Black-and-white.
Michael Redgrave, Valerie Hobson, Griffith Jones,Hartley Power, Margaretta Scott, Frederick Leister, Henry Oscar, Felix Aylmer.
Directed by Walter Forde.

This is a little-known British film of the early war years. As might be expected, it has a patriotic tone, tracing the history of the development of steamships and the abandoning of sail, especially in the voyages between Britain and America, emphasising the allied friendship of the past and of the times.

The film is quite lavishly produced, re-creating the 1840s, in Liverpool and Glasgow, the boat building industry, the development of steam as well as the dangers and perils of voyages to America.

The main protagonist is Michael Redgrave as Charles Mc Iver, with Griffith Jones as his brother, David, shown initially failing with the big steamships they had built, David Mc Iver making alliances with the shipbuilders of Glasgow, which his brother denounced. In fact, Charles Mc Iver, under a disguised identity, sails to America and experiences the hardships at sea, the crowds below deck, sickness and the exploitation by the crew as well as the avaricious owner. This gives him motivation, as does his friendship with a Scottish daughter of a builder, Valerie Hobson, who is engaged to his brother.

The American connection is further emphasised by the character of Cunard, the American entrepreneur who joins with the Mc Ivers to build the steamships.

An interesting look at British filmmaking of the period as well as its looking back to a proud past.

1. British production, in the early years of World War II, stories of the 19th century, British naval history? The style of filmmaking?

2. The 19th century, Liverpool, Glasgow, sets, costumes, decor, design? The re-creation of the cities? The walls, the streets, the buildings, homes? Black-and-white photography? musical score?

3. The background of the sea, sailing ships, the advent of steam? The picture of the boats, sailing, the storms?

4. The title, Charles and David? Their place in history? Steamships? In the transition to steam? The attitude of the authorities, bankers, stances against progress? The brothers and their promises?

5. The initial launching of the boat, the ceremony, the failure? The businessman and his reaction? His fleet of sailing ships, his cargoes, exploiting passengers? The route to the United States? The brothers and their disappointment? Faithful to Liverpool, anti-Glasgow and deals? The need to finance the building of the ships?

6. The visit from Glasgow, Mary Anne, her message, her uncle, her father, the financial background? attracted to the two brothers? Her charm? Her appearances in Glasgow, at home, her contribution and advice? David and his interest in her?

7. Charles, strong man, the decision to go to sea, organising his passage, covering up his identity, on board, the crew and the treatment of the passengers, the hardships for the passengers, below decks, the storms, hunger, the death of the young girl? The will to survive? Charles and his achievement?

8. The United States, Cunard, the meeting, the building of the boats, the contrast with working with the Americans and Glasgow? Charles going to Glasgow, his shock about Charles’s behaviour? The difficulties? Going into business, the building of the ship? Sailing to the United States, the difficulties, facing them on board, arriving safely? The mail? The success of the trial?

9. The portrait of the business people of the time, confidence in sail, wary of steam, not interested in progress? Exploiters of people? The bankers, the board meetings and their turning Charles down?

10. David and Mary Anne, Charles and Mary Anne, the support?

11. A patriotic historical film for British audiences in the early years of World War II?