Movie spotlight
Whalers
The Whalers (original title: Valfangare) is a filmed record of the final whaling expedition in the Arctic before the outbreak of WW2. Only partly a documentary, the film is able to accommodate a dramatic throughline, concerning the redemption of wastrelly millionaire's son Allan Blom (Allan Bohlin). Pressed into service on the expedition, Allan shows he's a true son of Scandanavia through his courageous actions on the high seas, and even wins the hand of heroine Sonja (Tutta Rolf) in the bargain. While the whaling scenes are both exciting and exhillarating, the sequence in which a whale carcass is stripped and gutted may not appeal to everyone in the audience. Originally filmed in 1939 in Swedish and Norwegian, The Whalers was helpfully fitted out with English subtitles for its 1942 American run.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary, directed by Robert J. Flaherty, offers a glimpse into the challenging lives of whalers in the North Atlantic. It captures the raw reality of their work, from the vastness of the ocean to the dangerous tasks involved in their pursuit of whales. The film highlights the resilience and determination required for such a demanding profession in the era.
Critical Reception
As a short documentary from 1939, specific critical reception data is scarce. However, Robert J. Flaherty was a renowned documentarian, and his works were generally praised for their authenticity and cinematic artistry. 'Whalers' likely received recognition for its portrayal of a specific industry and the human element within it.
What Reviewers Say
An authentic portrayal of a dangerous and vital industry.
Captures the rugged spirit of the North Atlantic whalers.
Visually striking depiction of maritime life.
Google audience: Audience reviews for this historical short documentary are not readily available. However, viewers typically appreciate Flaherty's early documentaries for their immersive and realistic depictions of traditional ways of life and challenging professions.
Fun Fact
Robert J. Flaherty, known for films like 'Nanook of the North,' often sought out remote and indigenous communities to document their unique lifestyles and struggles, bringing a new level of realism to documentary filmmaking.
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