High adventure with a richly detailed story (made rather too complicated by flashbacks) that's vaguely reminiscent of the work of Joseph Conrad, though actually based on a novel by Garland Roark. It kicked off a three-year period for star John Wayne in which he made some of his best films, including Red River and Sands of Iwo Jima. This film gives him a chance to play a more complex character than usual and Wayne responds with one of his most haunting performances, even though much of the dialogue lacks the subtlety needed to give the film stature. It's an East Indies seafaring yarn that takes in fist-fights, storms, romance, friendship, treachery and the pursuit of sunken treasure, and has a climax that should have you gripping the armchair. Wayne was so fond of the film that he took the name of his production company, Batjac, from its shipping line.

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