Captains Courageous is a 1977 American television film based on the novel Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling. It was produced by Norman Rosemont, who made a number of television films based on classic novels.
It was shot off the coast of Maine with a budget of $1.5 million.
Rosemont had to pay $25,000 to the Kipling estate. Although the work was in the public domain in the US it was still in copyright in other territories.
Contents
Plot summary
Harvey Cheyne (Jonathan Kahn) is the spoiled son of Harvey Cheyne Sr., a wealthy shipping tycoon. After failing to have a steward dismissed for disobeying his demands for a bottle of whiskey, he sneaks a cigar from his father and falls overboard after becoming ill while smoking.
Harvey is rescued by Manuel (Ricardo Montalban), a fisherman working aboard a ship commanded by Captain Troop (Karl Malden) which has only begun its’ voyage to catch fish for the season. Captain Troop denies Harvey’s insistence that he be immediately returned despite being promises of a reward.
Initially, the wayward young man struggles to gain the respect of the crew while they continue to ply their trade onboard the ship. Gradually, he slowly earns their grudging admiration as he learns to work.
One of the crew is a young man named Dan (Johnny Doran) who, along with crew helps Harvey adjust to life as a working man. Dan is gravely injured during some rough weather and loses his leg.
Harvey continues to work with the crew during the whole season of fishing. He is eventually returned to his home and after some time eventually takes over the shipping company from his father.
The film concludes with Harvey and Dan greeting each other as the best of friends where Dan has become the captain of his own vessel.
Cast
Karl Malden as Disko Troop
Jonathan Kahn as Harvey Cheyne Jr.
Johnny Doran as Dan
Neville Brand as Little Penn
Fred Gwynne as Long Jack
Charles Dierkop as Tom Platt
Jeff Corey as Salters
Fritz Weaver as Harvey Cheyne Sr.
Ricardo Montalban as Manuel
Stan Haze as Cook
Redmond Gleeson as Phillips
Shay Duffin as Chief Steward
Milton Frome as Mr. Atkins
Len Wayland as McLean