SOULS AT SEA was a rather popular film in its day. So popular in fact that Laurel & Hardy spoofed it in their comedy reworking of the original story, called SAPS AT SEA. So it's a bit unfortunate that this Paramount classic from the late 1930s seems to be slipping into gradual obscurity. It is certainly worthy of repeat viewings and on-going appreciation.
The great thing about this production is that the executives at Paramount decided to put two of its biggest male stars at that time into the lead roles. And in fact, it would be the only time that Gary Cooper and George Raft ever appeared in a movie together. They are superb. Meanwhile, Virginia Weidler fans will enjoy seeing her corner the market on tomboys, singing and telling stories– some from books, mostly fibs. And the rest of the supporting cast, particularly Henry Wilcoxon, also help make this an outstanding film.
