"Captain Salvation" (1927)

Marceline-Day-in-Captain-Salvation-director-john-robertson-1927-41

Marceline Day

Directed by    John S. Robertson
Produced by    Cosmopolitan Productions
Written by     Jack Cunningham from the novel by Frederick William Wallace; intertitles written by John Colton
Starring    Lars Hanson, Marceline Day, Pauline Starke, Ernest Torrence
Cinematography     William Daniels
Editing by William Hamilton
Distributed by        MGM
Release date      May 14, 1927
Running time    87 minutes
Country     US
Language Silent film

We have included this film in our program to illustrate the work and contributions of two of our stars - actress Marceline Day and director John S. Robertson.

The film is still under copyright, which prevents us from streaming it on our site. We will be able to show you this masterpiece in 2022.

"Captain Salvation" is a stirring historical drama superbly directed by John Robertson with exceptional performances by all leading players and the supporting cast.

It tells the story of a little Atlantic coast town in mid 19th century. Lars Hanson returns home from seminary to take the pulpit from the father of his girlfriend Marceline Day. She greets him enthusiastically and they have a romantic date at the seacoast where he presents her with an engagement ring. The future seems bright, but soon unexpected events will end their bliss and turn their world upside down.

As a storm rages that night a ship in distress brings to the shore a desperate crew and a sick outcast woman. The whole town revolts against her, but the would-be priest gives her shelter, antagonizing the whole population, especially his own uncle. Rumors spread and Marceline Day is unable to understand why Lars Hanson is throwing away their future for this woman and returns the ring. When another ship makes a stop at the harbor, Lars Hanson and the outcast woman lose no time in getting aboard and sailing away. Marceline Day is left behind heartbroken.

However, a rude awakening is in store for the new passengers as it turns out that this is no commercial vessel, but a ship taking convicts to the salt mines down south. The ship's captain is a brutal man, who immediately goes after the outcast woman. Lars Hanson stands in the way, so the captain knocks him down and jails him with the convicts. He then tries to get the woman, but in her desperation she stabs herself.

As the woman dies Lars Hanson is filled with desire for vengeance. He starts a life and death fight with the captain, and eventually emerges as the victor. He returns back home, where Marceline Day is waiting for him.

Here are just a few of the reviews for this film from the year after its release:

Produced by John S. Robertson for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer "Captain Salvation" is one of the greatest dramas of the sea ever filmed. ... In a striking picture the acting of Lars Hanson, Marceline Day, Pauline Starke and Ernest Torrance is of outstanding merit (The Daily News).

Excellent performance by a particularly well balanced cast... "Captain Salvation" is impressive from both production and acting viewpoints... The picture is mighty well made and better acting could not be desired (Film Daily).

... "Captain Salvation" is a picture which sweeps one onward in a mighty grip. Thrill piles on thrill, one dramatic moment succeeds another, the heart is stirred and the emotions are roused until the onlooker becomes as one with the players - living with them, adventuring with them, emerging triumphant when at length the tale is told... Marceline Day, a general favorite, who is surely stepping into the star class... is the heroine. (Sunday Times).

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