Rewind, Review, and Re-Rate: ‘The World in His Arms’: A Highly Entertaining Swashbuckler

Approved | 1h 44min | Action, Adventure, History | 1952

Over the years, I’ve become a big fan of Gregory Peck’s work. He’s a very versatile actor whom I’ve always associated with dramatic character-driven film roles, such as the gentlemanly out-of-towner James McKay in the magnificent Western “The Big Country (1958),” or the brooding bad-boy-trying-to-go-straight Jimmy Ringo in “The Gunfighter (1950).”

But when I think of comedy, I never really identify films of that nature with Peck. That is, until I recently saw the swashbuckling seaborne adventure yarn “The World in His Arms.” Directed by celebrated director Raoul Walsh (the man responsible for introducing John Wayne to the world in 1930’s “The Big Trail”), this movie has one of the most hilarious first acts I’ve ever seen, and Peck’s impeccable (pun intended) comedic flourishes are a huge part of it.

Gregory Peck as Captain Jonathan Clark (C) along with right-hand man John McIntire as Deacon Greathouse in “The World in His Arms.” (Universal-International)

The film opens with some great shots of a dark-hulled sailboat cutting through blue, whitecapped seas, while title cards read: “History records that the United States purchased Alaska on March 30, 1867. … This was the realization of a dream that started many years before, when Captain Jonathan Clark anchored his schooner, the “Pilgrim” of Salem, among a thousand abandoned ships that lay rotting in ... San Francisco 1850.”

So sets the stage for Captain Clark (Gregory Peck), known colloquially as “The Boston Man,” and his adventures in the still-Russian-owned waters off the coast of Alaska. Clark and his crusty crew frequently sail up the coast, catch seals, and then sail back down to California as quickly as they can (in order to avoid the Russians) so that they can sell their pelts for some pretty good profit.

Clark and his crew sail into San Francisco’s rowdy Barbary Coast, after a particularly lucrative seal haul, and set themselves up in a grand hotel called The Occidental.

Clark organizes a large party for later that evening, and an assortment of interesting characters eventually begin to trickle in. This includes Clark’s regular good-time-girl Mamie (Andrea King) and her gaggle of bar girls; Clark’s maritime rival Portugee (Anthony Quinn), who’s half-crazed; and beautiful Russian Countess Marina Selanova (Ann Blyth).

(L–R) Ann Blyth as Countess Marina Selanova, Gregory Peck as Capt. Jonathan Clark, and Andrea King as Mamie in “The World in His Arms.” (Universal-International)

Initially, Marina and her retainers had planned for Portugee to sail them to the Russian-Alaskan town of Sitka, where her aristocratic uncle, Gen. Ivan Vorashilov (Sig Ruman), could shelter her from another aristocrat whom she was originally scheduled to marry, Prince Semyon (Carl Esmond).

However, when she learns that Clark has stolen back his original crew from Portugee, she hatches a plan to try and convince Clark to transport her.

Although Clark doesn’t like Russians, he’s instantly captivated by Marina’s beauty, drawn to her like a barnacle to a ship. He takes her out on a night on the town, where his casual, fun-loving American ways strike a chord with her since she’s tired of being around stodgy blue bloods, so much so that they fall in love and agree to marry.

However, just before Clark and Marina are about to tie the knot, Prince Semyon sails into port and captures Marina and her retinue. The dastardly prince whisks them away to Alaska and threatens to have Marina’s uncle done away with if she doesn’t honor their arranged marriage. Thus begins Clark’s quest to rescue her.

Rival Hilarity

Although this film gets more and more serious as the stakes get higher, it starts off in a side-splitting manner, with plenty of guffaws coming from Quinn’s over-the-top portrayal of oddball sailor Portugee. Peck also proves that he’s got the chops and timing down for comedy, as his dry humor and amusing expressions add lots of levity to the chaotic, fast-paced proceedings.

Rivals Anthony Quinn (L) as Portugee and Gregory Peck as Capt. Jonathan Clark face off in “The World in His Arms.” (Universal-International)

Blyth is believable as a Russian countess, and her romantic orbit with Peck’s character seems natural. Fortunately, there’s not much romantic play between them; rather, a lot of their chemistry comes from how they look at each other, as well as a hint of naughtiness. This is the 1950s, after all, so what you’re going to see is all classy and implied.

Seeing Peck cast against type as a wild, happy-go-lucky adventurer seemed a little odd at first. But once I got hip to his unique brand of comedy (thanks in no small part to the stellar supporting cast), the movie flowed. If I had one regret, it would be that I wished it had been a longer voyage.

Promotional ad for "The World in His Arms." (Universal-International)

‘The World in His Arms’ Director: Raoul Walsh Starring: Gregory Peck, Ann Blyth, Anthony Quinn MPAA Rating: PG Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes Release Date: Oct. 9, 1952 Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5