SimonJack Start with history, add adventure and scenery, toss in a romance, sprinkle it with humor, and top it off with action. That's the recipe for a very entertaining and outstanding movie. It describes "The World in His Arms." Others have discussed the plot of the film, so I'll skip to some of the highlights. First, it has historical value. Few films have been made about that time and place in history, and it gives a good picture of life and politics in the early years of Alaska settlement. The locale shooting in the Pacific Northwest adds to the authenticity, as well as the spectacular scenery. Second, the scenery and cinematography are outstanding. Even fewer movies have included Alaska seal hunting, and again the location and scenery are most impressive here. The Americans and others who go in search of seal furs in Alaska are poachers in Russian territory. But, one scene describes how Gregory Peck's ship practices conservation of the seal population, whereas the Russians tend to slaughter whole populations without such regard. Third, the big cast of top drawer actors is perfect for this film. That includes all of them. I don't agree with a couple reviewers, including one whom I enjoy and watch for often. They think that Gregory Peck was miscast. I can see that if someone has a particular image or demeanor or character about an actor burned into his or her imagination, it may be difficult to appreciate that person in roles that don't seem to conform. But, greater enjoyment of movies is in store for those of us who don't typecast actors. And, when an actor plays a role that is rare or unusual for him, it can be an even bigger treat for the audience. Such is the case with Peck in this film, I think. Instead of Charlton Heston, John Wayne, or Kirk Douglas for this role, I think Peck gives it an air of freshness. Fourth, the sailing scenes and action are outstanding. Although these aren't the man-o-war type of large ships in this film, they are of the fast schooner type of vessels. The cinematography of the sea race is some of the best filming of sailing that I have seen in movies. Other aspects of the movie add immensely to its quality and enjoyment -- the romance, the humor, and the action. Production aspects are all first-rate – costumes, script, and directing. "The World in His Arms" is a great addition to any film library.

ebiros2 Gregory Peck is a pirate that sails his ship all over the northern pacific. He picks up, or gets picked by the Russian countess to extricate her from her fiancé, and take her to Alaska. He winds up in heap of trouble as a result, but during their voyage both fall in love with each other that leads him into even more trouble.Very good movie about a daring ship captain, and the romance that goes with it. There's something about a high seas adventure that's both romantic and exciting. Add a romance between a rough sea captain and a noble lady, you have one excellent romantic adventure that appeals to all audiences. I've seen this movie since I was a kid, and always enjoyed it every time I saw it.This is one of the best pirate theme movie made in the golden age of Hollywood. It's still entertaining to watch after half a century of time.

intelearts Sometimes you just want to watch real adventure and romance and escape. TWWIHA is that and more, shot in Technicolor and full of character and characters this is escapist melodrama at its best.Gregory Peck plays the Boston Man, a sailor and a sealer, who lands in port and finds love unexpectedly with a Russian countess. Set against the politics of the purchase of Alaska the film spends the first hour in port and then follows 20 minutes of the best sailing sequences caught on film: two tall masters sailing fullspeed and captured to great effect on film, with gaff sails, bumkins, and bowsprits furling this is one of my favorite sailing scenes from any film.All in all, this is a wonderful romantic adventure film and a terrific way to spend a rainy afternoon.

bkoganbing Sad to say that the miscast Gregory Peck brings down The World in His Arms down to the level of an ordinary action/adventure film than a classic. I agree with the reviewer who says that Gregory Peck was way too much the gentlemen to be believable as Jonathan Clark the lusty captain of a sealing vessel. I'd agree that Burt or Kirk would have been better. I'd even add John Wayne as a better choice and Universal studios had Jeff Chandler under contract and he would have been better in the part.Adapted from a Rex Beach novel, The World in His Arms has Ann Blyth looking to get to Sitka from San Francisco where she will be safe because uncle Sig Ruman is the Governor of the territory. Why in the world she would be less safe in the USA as opposed to what was Russian territory at the time, I can't figure out. Because she's trying to avoid a match to a no account count played by Carl Esmond. Trouble is that Carl's got the Czar's blessing for the marriage.Ann gets both Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn who is Peck's rival in the sealing trade in heat over who will take care her. In the end she goes with neither, but Peck and Quinn race to Sitka to pursue her where they fall in the hands of Esmond who has got Ruman by the short Russian hairs so to speak. Go figure why Ann thought she was safer there.The sailing sequences are nice and the best performance in the film is from Anthony Quinn. Come to think of it, he would have been better in the lead. His performance is followed very closely by John McIntire as Peck's first mate and Hans Conreid as a flustered hotel clerk.The World in His Arms also has one of the best action directors around in Raoul Walsh. A better cast leading man might even have made up for some of the deficiencies in the plot. Still everyone in the cast has been in worse films. With a couple of songs, they could have cast Nelson Eddy in the lead.