Captains Courageous 1937

Harvey Cheyne Jr., the indulged son of a California railroad tycoon, unexpectedly finds himself in a dire situation when he falls overboard from a transatlantic steamship, plunging into the merciless waters off the coast of Newfoundland. Fortunately, he is rescued by the crew of a steadfast fishing schooner named We’re Here. However, upon his arrival, he faces skepticism and resistance from the seasoned crew as he tries to convince them to expedite his return to California. The captain, Disko Troop, a tough old sailor with little patience for spoiled brats, brings Harvey on board, but not without delivering a stern warning that involves a potential bloody nose.

As days go by, Harvey starts to cast off the remnants of his privileged upbringing and gradually adjusts to the tough realities of seafaring life. Under the watchful eye of Dan Troop, the captain’s son, he begins to learn the ropes of fishing, assuming responsibility for the ship’s financial matters. This transition allows Harvey to grow, shedding his past as he discovers a newfound sense of duty and camaraderie among the crew.

While navigating the perilous waters of the cod fishery, the crew entertains Harvey with thrilling tales of New England whaling and the evolution of 19th-century steam and sailing, which blend seamlessly with their own high-seas escapades. These shared experiences foster a deep bond between Harvey and his newfound companions.

Eventually, the We’re Here makes its way back to port, where Harvey eagerly wires his parents. They immediately hurry to Boston and Gloucester to retrieve their wandering son. When they finally reunite, they are taken aback by the significant maturity that has blossomed in their once spoilt child. To acknowledge Harvey’s remarkable transformation, his father expresses gratitude to Manuel, the seaman who initially pulled Harvey from the depths.

In an unexpected twist, Harvey’s father decides to invite Dan Troop to join his distinguished tea clipper fleet, as Harvey sets his aspirations on attending Stanford University. He is now ready to embrace the future as he prepares to take over the family shipping business, marking the start of a new chapter in his life.