Captains Courageous

Captains Courageous, released in 1937, is a classic coming-of-age drama directed by Victor Fleming and based on the 1897 novella of the same name by Rudyard Kipling. The film stars Freddie Bartholomew as Harvey Cheyne, a spoiled and arrogant young boy, and John Barrymore as Disko Troop, the grizzled and wise fishing captain who teaches Harvey valuable life lessons. The story begins with the lavish Cheyne family taking a transatlantic steamship across the ocean. Among them is Harvey, the son of the wealthy Edward Cheyne (Charlie Ruggles). Harvey is consumed by a sense of entitlement, courtesy of his indulgent father, who spoils him with gifts and attention. On the first night of the voyage, an incident occurs that sets the course for Harvey's transformation. In an attempt to prove himself, Harvey sneaks down to the ship's rail, where he loses his footing and falls overboard into the icy waters below. A passing fishing vessel, the We're Here, under the command of Captain Disko Troop, rescues Harvey from the treacherous sea. Initially, Harvey is convinced that he will be taken immediately to shore and reunited with his wealthy family, but Captain Troop has other plans. The captain decides that Harvey will earn his keep as part of the crew until they reach port. Harvey, accustomed to his privileged life, is shocked and outraged by this decision. He tries everything in his power to persuade the crew to take him ashore, including offering them money and attempting to demonstrate his supposed wealth. Captain Troop and his crew, however, remain unimpressed. They view Harvey as a lazy, unskilled landlubber who thinks he can buy his way onto their vessel. Undeterred, the captain takes Harvey under his wing and begins teaching him the ins and outs of life on the high seas. Harvey is tasked with performing chores and learning the responsibilities of being a crew member. It is not long before Harvey realizes that his life among the wealthy elite has prepared him for little and that he is, in fact, unprepared for the harsh realities of life. As the days turn into weeks, Harvey undergoes a remarkable transformation. Under the patient tutelage of Captain Troop, he learns the value of hard work, camaraderie, and humility. He develops a newfound appreciation for the simple things in life and begins to see his wealthy upbringing for what it truly was: a shallow and privileged existence. The crew of the We're Here becomes like a family to Harvey, and he finds himself forming strong bonds with them. One of the most significant relationships that Harvey forms is with Manuel, the young son of one of the crew members. Manuel, who is about Harvey's age, is an apprentice to Captain Troop and is learning the ways of the sea from the captain. Through his interactions with Manuel, Harvey learns the value of mentorship, loyalty, and hard work. The two boys develop a strong friendship, and Harvey comes to see Manuel as a symbol of the kind of person he wants to become. As the We're Here approaches its destination, Harvey is faced with the prospect of returning to his former life as the spoiled son of the wealthy Edward Cheyne. However, he has undergone a profound transformation during his time on the vessel, and he is no longer the same arrogant and entitled young boy that he once was. In the end, Harvey's decision to return home is a bittersweet one. On one hand, he is eager to share his newfound knowledge and appreciation for life with his father. On the other hand, he is also aware that his experiences on the We're Here have made him aware of the vast chasm that separates his old life from his new one. The film's title, Captains Courageous, is a reference to the brave sailors who navigate the treacherous seas and provide for their families and communities. Through Harvey's experiences on the We're Here, the film showcases the courage and resilience of these unsung heroes. The story of Harvey Cheyne and his time on the We're Here serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-discipline, hard work, and kindness. It is a testament to the transformative power of human experience and the enduring lessons that can be learned from those who come from a world of privilege and entitlement. In the end, Harvey's time on the We're Here has given him a newfound appreciation for life and a sense of purpose that he had previously lacked. He returns home with a sense of gratitude and humility, armed with the knowledge that he is capable of being something more than just the spoiled son of a wealthy father. The film ends with a sense of hope and possibility, as Harvey sets off on a new path that will be guided by the values and lessons that he learned from Captain Troop and the crew of the We're Here.