The Ghost Ship (1943)

A "lesser" Lewton is still a solid movie, 13 February 2006

Tom Merriman (Russell Wade) is the new 3rd Officer on a ship headed down the coast of Mexico. Merriman meets and, at first, likes his new skipper, Captain Wade Stone (Richard Dix). However, a series of unfortunately events has Merriman questioning his first impression of Captain Stone. Merriman believes the Captain is going mad and must report him to a company representative. But at what price? Won't Merriman's life be in danger if her reports the Captain?

I suppose I would consider The Ghost Ship a "lesser" Lewton film. When compared with some of the Lewton classics like The Cat People, I Walked with a Zombie, and The Body Snatcher, it doesn't come out looking too good. On its own, The Ghost Ship is a slow moving story with a nice payoff in the end. Those desiring a quick, thrill-a-minute had best find another movie. This one takes its sweet time building to the conclusion.

Like all Lewton films, given the budgetary constraints Lewton worked within, it's amazing how technically sound these movie are and how good they look. Lightening, cinematography, and sets are as good as any you'll find in a film from the 40s. Take the sets as an example. The outdoor locations of San Sebastian were obviously shot on a back lot and made for some other movie. But with the expert way these sets were shot, to me at least, makes them look authentic.

Of note in the acting department is Richard Dix as the Captain. He has a way of speaking that, while at first off-putting, later becomes genuinely creepy. In addition to the voice, you can actually see the madness evident in Dix's eyes. The rest of the cast is solid at worst.

Overall, while I'll never consider The Ghost Ship one of Lewton's best films, I enjoy it each time I get the opportunity for a revisit.

7/10