Those who praise this film have not read the book. The book is a masterpiece. It is not accepted in the USA to the extent that it deserves. This is because it's author is English. If Jack Lontdon had written it,it would be the great American novel.
So the film is nothing like the book in the detail. Manuel is a minor figure in the book. Spencer Tracey is hopeless in the part. But he would have been right for the Captain.
The only good part is where they have filmed an actual Bluenose schooner. Now that part really is dramatic.
The most famous part of the book is the description of the race by private train across continental America. In the movie it is brusquely treated.
Summary: The book is not really suitable to be made as a movie. The bulk of the book relates to day to day interaction between the crew and other crews. This is why it was "sparked up"in the film. Don't bother seeing it but read the book.
So the film is nothing like the book in the detail. Manuel is a minor figure in the book. Spencer Tracey is hopeless in the part. But he would have been right for the Captain.
The only good part is where they have filmed an actual Bluenose schooner. Now that part really is dramatic.
The most famous part of the book is the description of the race by private train across continental America. In the movie it is brusquely treated.
Summary: The book is not really suitable to be made as a movie. The bulk of the book relates to day to day interaction between the crew and other crews. This is why it was "sparked up"in the film. Don't bother seeing it but read the book.