Customer Reviews

China Seas [VHS]

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One of the most entertaining films ever made, with MGM throwing in everything but the kitchen sink and all the elements working beautifully. God Almighty couldn't have concocted a more exquisitely perfect cast. Wallace Beery, the most forceful and fascinating actor of his day, plays a villain who covets Jean Harlow and tortures hero Clark Gable, who is at his absolute peak as a roguish sea captain and even more fun to watch than he was later in "Gone With the Wind," if that's possible. Sensational humorist Robert Benchley, grandfather of the author of "Jaws," is present for comic relief and his character is reeling drunk throughout the movie, which is refreshing to see when viewed from the standpoint of today's comparatively repressive attitude toward alcohol. Rosalind Russell and Hattie McDaniel are also aboard the storm-tossed ship. This one gallops, with a literate and amusing script and lustrous, shimmering photography, and performances to savor from the strongest screen actors ever. A severely underrated classic and not to be missed. Be sure to watch it only in its original glowing black-and-white and avoid the aesthetically inferior colorized version. For whatever reasons, we no longer have actors as entertaining as Beery and Gable. This movie is a phenomenal treat.

If you could classify a typical "Golden Age of Hollywood", product then "China Seas", would be it. It exemplifies everything that was so unique about the 1930's in particular at a studio like MGM, where sheer star power often overcame an unlikely story to produce first rate entertainment that has stood the test of time. "China Seas", was planned as one of 1935's big "A" efforts by studio genius Irving Thalberg who always seemed to know what the public wanted and gave it to them in classy well produced film adaptions. The legendary teaming of super stars Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and Wallace Beery, all at the peak of their creative talents, almost guaranteed box office success which is what occured here making "China Seas", a mega hit for MGM that year. The three leads certainly were displayed in "typical", roles with Gable the cynical no nonsense ship's Captain, Harlow the loud mouth mantrap living by her wits and usually clad in something revealing and Beery the rough bear-like villian out for the best opportunity for himeslf. All these usual personas however combine beautifully in an exciting modern pirate tale filled with interesting support characters, excellent action sequences and just enough humour to satisfy all viewers. The magical screen chemistry of Gable and Harlow is well on display here in one of their most pleasing vehicles together and rightly goes a long way to making "China Seas", a viewing experience to treasure.

Based on the novel by Crosbie Garstin, "China Seas", tells the story of a passenger/cargo boat that is making a journey from Hong Kong to Singapore. In charge is Capt. Alan Gaskell (Clark Gable), who is taking on board a highly desirable cargo of bullion for shipment. The voyage promises to be a highly dangerous one as the seas in that region are infamous for pirate gangs that make their living by robbing such vessels of their precious cargo. To add to his concerns he finds that his passenger list contains a few headaches and surprises as well when he finds that his sometime mistress Dolly "China Doll" Portland (Jean Harlow) has booked passage on the boat to keep her claws in him, and that also in the biggest surprise old flame Sybil Barclay (Rosalind Russell), a refined Englishwoman has also tracked him down to Hong Kong and seeks more than just an enjoyable voyage from her former love. Also on board is Jamesy MacArdle (Wallace Beery), who is there for his own reasons and is actually in league with some of the China sea pirates and intends to assist in stealing the bullion once the voyage is underway. Jamesy also harbours a passion for Dolly which as the voyage continues will cost her dearly in her pursuit of Alan. Once at sea a real jealousy springs up between Dolly and Sybil and when Dolly sees the old infatuation rising between Alan and Sybil she decides to have her own back on him and teams up with Jamesy in a very rowdy partnership designed to create jealousy in Alan. We are introduced to the other colourful characters on the voyage including disgraced new 3rd officer Tom Davids (Lewis Stone) a former captain who lost his last vessel and is on board under a real cloud of disapproval by the crew, Sir Guy Wilmerding the upright throughly English owner of the shipping line, and eternally drunk Charlie McCaleb who really has no idea where he is or where he is going. The voyage is anything but a calm crossing in that the crew must face a terrible hurricane which almost costs everyone their lives and a frightening attack by Malay pirates who have been forewarned of the rich cargo on board Alan's ship by Jamesy and are willing to torture and kill to get it. In the lead up to these events Dolly discovers the real reason why Jamesy is on board when she finds the well known half of a bank note which the pirates use as a means of identification in his coat pocket. Trying to warn Alan about what is going to happen she is angrily rejected by him and then throws in her lot with Jamesy. The raid by the Malay pirates led by one of their "princes", (Tetsu Komai), however doesn't have the expected result even after they put Alan through the torture of the Chinese Boot trying to find the whereabouts of the hidden bullion. Ironically enough it is the "coward", of the voyage , Tom Davids who saves the day when after having his legs crushed by the pirates he proves his real worth under pressure by crawling to the cargo hold and gathering some explosives that help blow up the pirate vessel. In the aftermath of the fighting on board knowing that he is lost Jamesy kills himself and frees Dolly of any of the real blame. After the vessel docks in Singapore however justice has to be done and Alan begins to realise that the refined and comfortable life in England with Sybil is just not what he is cut out for and that life in the China Seas with Dolly and all its perils is his future. Promising to do all he can to stand by Dolly in the court case that will follow their future together based on being two individuals cut from the same material is assured.

A typical star vehicle of its day perhaps but there is much to like in "China Seas". Rarely has Clark Gable been in better form than here and his rogueish but basically respectable Alan Gaskell indeed has alot in common with his most famous role of Rhett Butler from "Gone With The Wind". Gable's real magic as a screen presense to be reckoned with is very evident in "China Seas", and rarely during the 1930's did he have a more perfectly matched leading lady than Jean Harlow. All slinky gowns, platinum blonde hair and always with something spithy to say Jean is the very embodiement of the "tramp with a heart of gold". Her screen chemistry with Gable really came of age in their classic "Red Dust", but here their work together is just as effective with the fire and the passion between the two literally boiling over. Veteran MGM character actor Lewis Stone really excels in his most unusual role which is light years away from his most famous role of Judge Hardy in the Andy Hardy series. Playing the coward who runs from his responsibility but who ultimately helps save the day when he is put to the test is a totally different turn for this gifted actor and he makes the most of his scenes. Rosalind Russell hadn't yet in 1935 revealed herself as the superb comedian she was to become at the end of the decade with her role in "The Women", and at this time was still working he rway through largely stiff and proper characters such as she plays in "China Seas". Somehow it is hard to imagine the rugged Clark Gable really falling for such a proper character as Russell plays here and all the time you can see that Alan and Dolly despite all their fighting and threats towards each other are far better suited. Directed at a fast pace by Tay Garnett probably best known for his direction of the classic "The Postman Always Rings Twice", and some of Greer Garson's better efforts, the action is kept moving along to keep up the interest. We dont find out alot about these characters or alot about their motivations for what they do here however in such an action story as this that is not so vital. It's their reactions to each other and the course of events that make "China Seas", so entertaining. First class cinematography and lighting help play up the sensual side of the Gable/Harlow teaming here and designer Adrian excels in his women's costumes with Harlow's unforgettable slinky well off the shoulder evening gowns and Rosalind Russell's prim and proper outfits perfectly filling us in on what type of women to expect here.

As a combined action adventure and romance story "China Seas", really delivers the goods in the entertainment department. The special effects scenes when the hurricane hits the ship for the time are excellent and constantly remind me of the great expertise that the major studios had even at this early time pre computer age, in mounting realistic looking elements like storms at sea. Of course first and foremost it is the Gable/Harlow teaming that makes this effort memorable. Both where often underestimated actors but certainly succeeded in setting sparks off each other in their scenes together. For a rousing modern day pirate tale full of adventure, skullduggery and steamy romance you can't go past Irving Thalberg's glowing black and white classic "China Seas".

I don't think so, be it in the jungle, a New York high rise or at sea. Hepburn & Tracy were great, no argument. But they were so modern & urbane, not rowdy & sexy, always fighting like Harlow & Gable. China Seas is a fine example of this chemistry. Yeah, & its a pretty good story too. Gable is Capt. Gaskell, skipper of a passenger/merchant ship running from Hong Kong to Singapore. Harlow is the floozie, Dolly, he had a fling with on shore. The ship is carrying gold. There is a terrific typhoon, & a pirate raid in which the ship is seized for a while. They torture the Captain, but he doesn't reveal where the gold is. Dolly is mixed up in a conspiracy with a crewman, Wallace Berry, against the Captain because she is mad at him. She of course changes her mind. The Captain is trying to ditch Dolly & thinks he's meant for Lady Sybil, played by Rosalind Russell, an old flame. But he & Dolly really are in love. Unfortunately the collaborations between Harlow & Gable was cut short at five movies with Harlow untimely & early death several years later.

This was the first film I saw that paired Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. I expected a lot from it and I was not disappointed. They were one of the finest screen teams of the 30s.

In a way, the plot is like RED DUST on the high seas. Gable is again in charge of a location and the leader of men, including a crew of Asians. Harlow is again the woman of easy virtue with a heart of gold. Rosalind Russell, in an entertaining turn as Sybil, Gable's long ago love, is a comedic and decidedly more classy dame who captures Captain Gaskill's attention, and who incites China Doll's jealousy. Wallace Beery, who worked with both Harlow and Gable in "THE SECRET SIX" and with Harlow in the 1933 classic "DINNER AT EIGHT" is enjoyably slick and subtly shady as Jamesy. But it is the chemistry between Harlow and Gable that really holds this movie together. They obviously had great respect and liking for one another, and this only cemented their working relationship on-screen. My favorite lines, one spoken by China Doll: "When I want you to sound off, Golden Bells, I'll pull your rope!" The other by Gaskill, with that unmistakable Gable grin: "And as a man said when they were about to hang him, 'This will be a lesson to me.' " It's a gem, and don't pass it up!!!!!

MGM, the Hollywood studio that boasted "More stars than in heaven", were able in the thirties to blast away the rival studios by regularly releasing an all star blockbuster which smashed at the box office. "China Seas" is just such a film. As usual, MGM threw in the lot - a melodramatic adventure, a giant cast with more than 2 box office stars and superb production values in every department, including an exciting storm at sea.

"China Seas" stars macho Clark Gable as a ship captain trading in the Orient, dealing with raunchy tart Jean Harlow as his girlfriend, refined Rosalind Russell as his ladylike English fiancee and Wallace Beery as a gun running crook. They are supported by an endless parade of character actors including Lewis Stone, C. Aubrey Smith and Robert Benchley. The film is at different times funny, corny, exciting and absurd. It has everything.

The print is good and there are, for once on an MGM DVD, a few extras other than the original theatrical trailer. The musical short is fairly awful but the travel talk "Cherry Blossom Time in Japan" has genuine historical interest. The DVD is best value if purchased as part of the "Clark Gable Signature Collection".

1935 was the year Clark Gable was out to sea. The oscar winning film "Mutiny on the Bounty" was also released and boy does it make this one look pale. Though I suppose it's not fair to compare them, since, they are completely different movies.

"China Seas" was directed by Tay Garnett (director of many TV shows and the 1946 film version of "The Postman Always Rings Twice")and has an incrediable cast consisting of Gable, Jean Harlow, Wallace Berry, Rosalind Russell (at first I didn't even recognize her), and one of my favorites Robert Benchley. But despite the presence of a talented cast "China Seas" never quite takes sail. The movie has Gable playing Capt. Alan Gaskell and a voyage being made from Hong Kong to Singapore, aboard the ship is 100 pounds of bullion, but, unknown to Gable, someone on the ship plans to steal it. Wallace Berry plans a friend Jamesy MacRdie who has a crush on Gable's girl (?) Dolly Portland (AKA "China Doll) played by Jean Harlow. To further complicate things we have an old flame of Gable's, Sybill Barclay (Rosalind Russell) and a writer looking for material for his new book, but never has time to write a word, since he's constantly seeking inspiration from the old bottle (Robert Benchley).

On paper "China Seas" seems like a good movie. And if your a fan of classic films from Hollywood's "Golden Era" you would think the cast might pull it off, but, the screenplay has too many problems, which was based on a novel written by Crosbie Garstin. The movie never clearly identifies the relationship between Gable and Harlow or the past relationship between Gable and Russell. We are never quite sure where everyone stands. Also, as much as I enjoy watching Benchley, to be honest he serve no purpose in this movie. His scenes make a few comedis attempts but seem out of place in this movie. His character was just not needed. And if it appears in the novel, I'm guessing it was written differently.

Despite the all-star cast, it's Lewis Stone (probably best known for appearing in the Andy Hardy series and films such as "Grand Hotel") who comes out looking best. He just seems to blend in with the scenery. Granted most people will keep their eyes on Gable and Harlow, but Stone's performance is far more subtle. It's a co-starring role but there were times I had sympathy for his character and other times I hated him. It was a very good role for him.

Most people who watch this movie will enjoy it. Since it's not exactly a popular film, only those who appreciate older films will be watching. Fun light movie, but not what it could have been.

Bottom-line: Entertaining adventure on the high seas with some good performances, Stone's being the best. Has a weak script but older fans will look past it and have fun watching it.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) presents "CHINA SEAS" (1935) (87 min/B&W) -- Starring: Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Wallace Beery, Lewis Stone & Rosalind Russell

Directed by Tay Garnett

Dynamic Alan Gaskell (Clark Gable) captains a ship bound from Hong Kong to Singapore. Gaskell tries to turn over a new leaf from his hard-drinking lifestyle after becoming attached to a refined high class English lady, Sybil Barclay (Rosalind Russell). His former girlfriend Dolly (Jean Harlow) is extremely jealous of the budding relationship and tries hard to get the Captain back. He is unimpressed with her loud, obnoxious, and uncivilized manners, even though she is extremely beautiful. Wallace First Mate, Jamesy MacArdle (Wallace Beery) is in league with a gang of pirates who plan to steal the gold shipment being carried in the hold of the steamer. Dolly tumbles to MacArdle's secret, but is unable to convince Gaskell.

Based on a novel by Crosbie Garstin. Action/adventure director and South Seas enthusiast Tay Garnet - A great adventure story told with verve by an outstanding cast in top form!

China Seas proved that the recently imposed Hollywood production code had little if any effect on the popularity of MGM sex symbols Clark Gable and Jean Harlow.

BIOS:
1. Tay Garnett [Director]
Date of Birth: 13 June 1894 - Los Angeles, California
Date of Death: 3 October 1977 - Sawtelle, California

2. Clark Gable
Date of birth: 1 February 1901 - Cadiz, Ohio,
Date of death: 16 November 1960 - Los Angeles, California

3. Jean Harlow [aka: Harlean Harlow Carpenter]
Date of Birth: 3 March 1911 - Kansas City, Missouri
Date of Death: 7 June 1937 - Los Angeles, California

4. Wallace Beery
Date of Birth: 1 April 1885 - Kansas City, Missouri
Date of Death: 15 April 1949 - Beverly Hills, California

5. Lewis Stone
Date of Birth: 15 November 1879 - Worcester, Massachusetts
Date of Death: 12 September 1953 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

6. Rosalind Russell
Date of Birth: 4 June 1907 - Waterbury, Connecticut
Date of Death: 28 November 1976 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

7. C. Aubrey Smith [aka: Charles Aubrey Smith]
Date of Birth: 21 July 1863 - London, England, UK
Date of Death: 20 December 1948 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]

Total Time: 87 min on DVD ~ Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) ~ (June 20, 2006)

Starts off as a fast-talking rom-com, but when a typhoon hits, things get nasty & fun! A steamroller breaks loose & crushes screaming coolies. Beery shoves Harlow into a bureau, exposing her right breast for a few frames! The pirates in cahoots w/ Beery show up & smash Lewis Stone's ankles to jelly w/ a rifle butt. Then they torture Gable w/ a foot-crushing boot. Where are those censors?

"China Seas" stars MGM's 3 top stars (Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and Wallace Beery) in an exotic adventure tale produced by Irving Thalberg with a score by Herbert Stothart.

The pairing of these 3 stars was an enormous box office draw. All 3 had top 10 films the previous year (Beery in "Viva Villa", Gable in "It Happened One Night" and Harlow in "The Girl from Missouri") and in 1933 Harlow teamed with Gable in "Hold Your Man" (1933) and with Beery in "Dinner at Eight" and both films were in the top 10. In fact, from 1932 through 1935 these 3 actors appeared in the top 10 every year without fail.

Of course, Gable + Harlow were already a tremendous draw. They did 6 films together, starting in 1931 with "The Secret Six". Their second film in 1932, "Red Dust", cemented Gable's rising stardom. That film was #4 at the box office and "Hold Your Man" was #7 in 1933. "China Seas" came in #6 in 1935. The next year, "Wife vs. Secretary" was #10 at the box office and the following year "Saratoga" was #2, beaten out by "Snow White". So, with the exception of their first film, 5 of their next 5 films all made the Top 10 box office.

BTW - Their first film, "The Secret Six", starred Wallace Beery and the co-stars were Lewis Stone and Johnny Mack Brown (the cowboy star). Harlow received 4th billing and poor Clark Gable's name was way down the list. By 1935, Gable got top billing and Beery had fallen to third; Lewis Stone went from co-star to also ran. Such are the vicissitudes of a Hollywood career.

Clark Gable (1901-60) was one of the biggest stars of the 20th century, and a pretty good actor to boot. We remember him best as Rhett Butler for "GWTW" (1939), for which he received one of his three Oscar nominations (the other nomination was for 1935's "Mutiny on the Bounty" and he won in 1934 for "It Happened One Night"), but he gave us many memorable performances in films like "Teachers' Pet" (1958) and "But Not for Me" (1959) both of which earned him Golden Globe nominations. My favorite Gable flick is "Run Silent Run Deep" (1958). Gable plays a sea captain with a checkered past.

Jean Harlow (1911-37) plays Gable's girl friend. Harlow was the biggest sex symbol of her times having specialized in playing the gangster's moll in such films as "Hell's Angels" (1930), "The Secret Six" (1931), and "Public Enemy" (1931). She evolved as an actress, exploring different personas, such as the comedienne ("Bombshell"), the brassy girl friend ("Red Dust"), and the girl next door ("Wife vs. Secretary"). Here she reverts to the brassy slightly risqué girl friend she was most famous for.

In 1935 Wallace Beery (1885-1949) was at the height of his popularity, having starred in the popular "Min and Bill" (1930) and "The Big House" (1930) and won the Oscar for "The Champ" (1931). He co-starred in one of the first blockbusters ever made, "Grand Hotel" (1932). In 1934 he played Long John Silver in "Treasure Island" and Pancho Villa in "Viva Villa" - two of the biggest hits of the year. In this film Beery plays a shady character who is in love with Harlow.

Rosalind Russell (1907-76) plays a sophisticated English woman who knew Gable "in the old days" when he was a proper gentleman and when she was married to his best friend. Now a widow, Russell has tracked Gable down and hopes to light the flame that merely sparked years ago. Russell is best known for her award winning performances in "Auntie Mame" (1958) and "Gypsy" (1962), and her great role as Hildy Johnson in "His Girl Friday" (1940).

Lewis Stone (1879-1953) plays a disgraced former sea captain. He was a major star in the 20s and 30s and was nominated for an Oscar for "The Patriot" (1930). Between 1914 and 1953 he made more than 150 films; his memorable roles were as the warden in "The Big House" (1930), Doctor Otternschlag in "Grand Hotel" (1932), and "Doc" in "Three Godfathers" (1936). Gretta Garbo used him in 7 of her films. He's probably best known for his continuing role as Judge Hardy in the Andy Hardy films (1937-46).

C. Aubrey Smith (1863-1948) was a great actor known for his roles as an aristocrat. He appeared in more than 100 films from 1915 to 1949. He gave us memorable roles in a host of films, including Major Hamilton in "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer" (1935), Lord Capulet in "Romeo and Juliet" (1936), and Colonel Zapt in "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1937). I remember him best as Col. Williams in "Wee Willie Winkie" (1937) with Shirley Temple. Smith plays the owner of the shipping line that Gable works for.

Hattie McDaniel (1895-1952) has an uncredited role as Harlow's maid. She once said - " I'd rather play a maid than be one." She's best known for her Oscar winning role as Mammy in "GWTW" (1939), one of more than 300 roles she played in a career from 1932 to 1952. I remember her best from her TV series "Beulah" (1952). McDaniel and Gable were good friends, and she appeared in several films with Harlow and Gable.

Director Tay Garnett (1894-1977) keeps the action moving. Though not well known today, Garnett was a busy director in the 30s and 40s and made films like "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" (1949), "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1945), and "Bataan" (1943).

There are some spectacular scenes during a Typhoon, and 50 tons of water are used to simulate the storm, nearly killing two stuntmen. Gable himself performs his stunts, which involve roping a steam locomotive that is thrashing around the deck. Though generally well shot and edited, there are periodic studio shots, especially close ups that are jarring. Most of these involve Harlow. Of course, it's difficult to complain about a close up of Harlow.


The great Herbert Stothart (1885-1949) was the composer. Stothart won the Oscar for "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) and was nominated 9 more times. He was often used in period pieces, and his films include "Treasure Island" (1934), Viva Villa" (1934), "David Copperfield" (1935), Anna Karenina" (1935), "Tale of Two Cities" (1935), and "Romeo and Juliette" (1936).

"China Seas" was the #6 box office film for 1935. The top films were "Mutiny on the Bounty" (with Gable), "Becky Sharp", "Top Hat", "The Littlest Rebel", and "The Informer". The Oscars went to "Mutiny" (Picture), "The Informer" (Actor), and "Dangerous" (Actress). Other notable films that year were "Captain Blood", "Anna Karenina", "The 39 Steps", "The Bride of Frankenstein", "David Copperfield" and "A Tale of Two Cities", Frederic March's "Les Miserables", and "A Night at the Opera". In Germany, Leni Riefenstahl released "Triumph of the Will".

If you like Gable and Harlow, this is the film for you. Think of it as "Red Dust" Part 2. There are certainly better action films and better special effects, but where else will you see the top 3 stars in such good roles.

Love the movie.
Glad I got it.
More young people should watch movies made in the 30,40,and 50.