Watch China Seas

China Seas is a classic Hollywood action-adventure film from 1935, starring some of the biggest names of the era, Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and Wallace Beery. Directed by Tay Garnett and produced by MGM Studios, the film takes the audience on a thrilling ride across the treacherous waters of the South China Sea, as a group of passengers on board a ship become embroiled in a deadly game of piracy, deception, and betrayal.

The film opens with Gable's character, Captain Alan Gaskell, setting sail from Hong Kong aboard the steamer ship, SS Kuala Lumpur. The ship is carrying a valuable cargo of gold bullion, as well as a colorful cast of passengers, including Harlow's character, Dolly Portland, a sultry lounge singer with a troubled past, and Beery's character, Jamesy McArdle, a shady businessman with a penchant for gambling and underhanded schemes.

As the ship makes its way through the South China Sea, Gaskell quickly realizes that they are being watched by a gang of ruthless pirates, led by the sinister Nick Cochran (played by actor Lewis Stone). In a series of tense and action-packed scenes, the passengers and crew of the Kuala Lumpur navigate deadly storms, attacks by pirates, and dangerous mutinies, all while trying to uncover the identity of the traitor who is helping Cochran and his men.

At the center of the plot is the relationship between Gaskell and Portland, which grows increasingly complicated as the film progresses. Gaskell is initially attracted to Portland's beauty and charisma, but soon learns of her scandalous past and begins to question her motives. Meanwhile, Portland is torn between her feelings for Gaskell and her loyalty to McArdle, who has promised to help her leave her troubled past behind.

Throughout the film, the chemistry between Gable and Harlow sizzles, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling plot. The two actors had previously worked together in the films Red Dust and Hold Your Man, and their experience and comfort with each other is evident in their performances. Gable is his usual charming and rugged self as Captain Gaskell, and Harlow stands out as a strong and independent female lead, a rare sight in Hollywood films of the era.

The supporting cast of the film also deserves credit for their performances. Beery is superb as the conniving McArdle, and Stone is truly menacing as the pirate leader. Rosalind Russell, who was just beginning her career at the time, also stands out as Sybil Barclay, a wealthy socialite who finds herself embroiled in the dangerous events unfolding on the ship.

Overall, China Seas is a classic Hollywood adventure film that combines action, romance, and suspense into an entertaining package. The film was well-received upon its release and has since become a beloved classic, thanks in large part to the stellar performances of its cast and the thrilling plot that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

China Seas is a 1935 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.