Reap the Wild Wind
Overview
John Wayne, Ray Milland, and Paulette Goddard team up with the legendary producer-director Cecil B. DeMille to create one of the greatest swashbuckling epics of all time. Adventures on the panoramic high seas highlight this tale of two men competing for the same woman. Key West in the 1840s is filled with salvage businesses thriving on the cargo of wrecked ships dashed against the coral reefs. Spunky ship owner Loxi Claiborne (Paulette Goddard) suspects salvager King Cutler (Raymond Massey) of foul play, since he's always first on the scene at a wreck. The independent, kittenish Southern gal is waiting on deck to help rescue the latest survivors of a wreck when she meets courageous Captain Jack Stuart (John Wayne), who instantly falls for the free-spirited Loxi. Loxi and Jack promise themselves to one another and make arrangements to meet up in Charleston. But, once in Charleston, Loxi meets lawyer Stephen Tolliver (Ray Milland). Despite Loxi's refusal to act like a typical blushing Southern belle, she quickly entices the debonair businessman, who decides that he will do anything to make her his wife. The rivals in love become enemies in the courtroom when Jack helms another wreck and Tolliver suspects foul play. Who will be found guilty and how hinges on some amazing developments. Along with the star-studded cast, this glorious sea spectacle stars huge clipper ships, storms splintering on the rocks, and a giant squid in a memorable underwater battle.
Awards:
1942 - Academy Awards - Best Sound Effects - Winner
1942 - Academy Awards - Best Special Effects - Winner
Main Cast & Crew:
Cecil B. DeMille - Director
Ray Milland
John Wayne
Paulette Goddard
Raymond Massey
Robert Preston
Lynne Overman
Susan Hayward
Charles Bickford
Walter Hampden
Louise Beavers
Details
- Format: DVD
- Color Format: B&W
- UPC: 025192043727
- Genre: DRAMA
- Rating: Not Rated
- Release Date: December 1998
Movie Reviews
Synopsis:
Cecil B. DeMille set this epic drama of ship salvagers in 1840s Key West, Florida. Among the film's most exciting scenes are the two rivals joining forces to fight an octopus underwater, a hurricane that smashes and breaks the boats, and the heroine caught in the waves.
Notes:
Theatrical release: March 19, 1942.
This picture marked Cecil B. DeMille's 30th anniversary as a filmmaker.
The film includes the song "Sea Chantey (The Nellie B)," music by Victor Young, lyrics by Frank Loesser, sung by Paulette Goddard.
Actress and infamous Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper costars as Loxi's aunt Henrietta Beresford.
The film was based on a story in the Saturday Evening Post by Thelma Strabel.
Reviews:
"...Irresistibly hokey..." - 03/17/1989 USA Today, p.3D
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