Captains Courageous

As great as "Mutiny on the Bounty"

1937 • 115 min • Adventure · Drama · Family

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Synopsis

Harvey, the arrogant and spoiled son of an indulgent absentee-father, falls overboard from a transatlantic steamship and is rescued by a fishing vessel on the Grand Banks. Harvey fails to persuade them to take him ashore, nor convince the crew of his wealth. The captain offers him a low-paid job, until they return to port, as part of the crew that turns him into a mature, considerate young man.

Our family guide

Best from age 8

Movie Knight Score

193 reviews

74 Audience · 193 · 100%

A spoiled boy falls from a luxury liner and is rescued by a fishing schooner. Forced to work alongside the crew, he learns hard lessons about responsibility and earns respect, ultimately transforming into a considerate young man before returning to his wealthy life.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 1/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 3/10

Heads up

A tragic accident occurs at sea.
Themes of loss and grief are present.
Some harsh language and disciplinary actions.
The main character

What it models well

Personal growth and maturity
Hard work and responsibility
Friendship and belonging
Overcoming privilege

Talk about it after

The value of hard work versus inherited wealth.
How challenges can help us grow and change.
Treating everyone with respect, regardless of their background.
The dangers and rewards of life at sea.

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Captains Courageous. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.