Watch The Last Voyage

The Last Voyage is a 1960 disaster film directed by Andrew L. Stone, starring Robert Stack, Dorothy Malone, and George Sanders. The film tells the story of an aging ocean liner, the S.S. Claridon, which is forced to make its final voyage before being sold to a scrapyard. The story takes place during the ship's final days, as it makes its way from New York to Europe, carrying a wide variety of passengers and crew.

One of the primary threads in the film is the relationship between the Claridon's captain, Robert Adams (played by Robert Stack), and his wife, Laurie (played by Dorothy Malone). Adams is a seasoned veteran of the sea, having spent many years navigating the world's oceans. Laurie, on the other hand, is a nervous and jittery passenger, clearly out of her element on the massive ship.

As the Claridon heads out to sea, trouble soon develops. A massive explosion in the engine room causes the ship to take on water and begin sinking. Panic quickly sets in among the passengers and crew, as they realize that their lives are in grave danger. Adams and his officers do everything in their power to maintain order and assist in the evacuation of the ship's passengers.

Throughout the film, we see the various characters dealing with the fallout of the disaster in their own way. Some are heroic, bravely helping others to safety, while others are cowardly and self-interested, looking out for their own survival at the expense of those around them. The film explores the many shades of human behavior in the face of catastrophe, painting a nuanced portrait of humanity at its best and worst.

One of the strengths of The Last Voyage is its impressive attention to detail. The film was shot on an actual ocean liner, the Ile de France, which was undergoing the process of being dismantled for scrap metal. The filmmakers utilized the ship's actual facilities, such as its engine room and dining hall, to create an authentic sense of place. The director even had his actors perform many of their own stunts, adding to the film's realism.

The Last Voyage is also notable for its use of technicolor, which gives the film a bright, vivid look that is unusual for a disaster movie. The film's color palette adds a layer of beauty to the otherwise bleak story, making it a visually striking work of art.

Another highlight of the film is the performances. Robert Stack gives a commanding turn as the captain of the ship, projecting a sense of authority and competence that anchors the film. Dorothy Malone brings a vulnerability to her role as the captain's wife, adding a human element to the story. George Sanders also stands out as a wealthy passenger who embodies the worst aspects of human nature.

In conclusion, The Last Voyage is a gripping disaster film that explores the complexities of the human psyche under extreme pressure. With its attention to detail, impressive use of technicolor, and strong performances, it is a must-see for fans of the genre.

The Last Voyage is a 1960 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.