The Seafarers (1953)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Cast: Don Hollenbeck, Paul Hall

Synopsis: A documentary exploring the work of the Seafarers International Union.

More of a 29-minute advertisement for the Seafarers International Union than a documentary, Stanley Kubrick’s third film was his first in colour.   Once believed lost, The Seafarers was discovered in 1973.   There’s little of any value to it, and no evidence of directorial flair from the 24-year-old Kubrick is to be found in its stolid examination of benefits of membership to the union.   A couple of shots of drawings of topless women that would have never passed the censor had The Seafarers been intended for general release reflect the fact that the movie was intended for private screening to potential union members rather than widespread distribution in cinemas.

You wouldn’t know this was a Kubrick film if the credits didn’t tell you, so definitely one for completists only.

(Reviewed 25th May 2016)