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5.8/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Son of a Sailor remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Look, if you’re into 1930s slapstick and guys with giant grins, maybe. If you want a plot that makes sense, skip this one. It's the kind of movie that feels like it was written on the back of a cocktail napkin while the writers were at lunch.
Joe E. Brown is doing his usual thing. He’s loud, he’s fast, and he’s constantly tripping over his own feet. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it just makes you wish the scene would end.
It’s all about a sailor who thinks he’s a smooth talker. He ends up in a house full of Admirals and spies. You know, just your typical Tuesday night for a guy in the Navy. The whole thing feels like a stage play that someone decided to film without clearing out the furniture first.
There are these spies lurking around, and they’re so obvious it hurts. You can practically see the mustache-twirling through the screen. It’s not exactly In the Spider's Grip in terms of tension, let me tell you.
The pacing is all over the place. It jumps from a romantic encounter to a spy thriller beat in seconds. It gave me a bit of whiplash. It reminded me a little of the frantic energy in The Goat, though way less inventive.
Is it a classic? No. Is it fine for a rainy afternoon when you just want to turn your brain off? Sure. It’s got that weird, dusty charm that only movies from this era have. Don't go looking for deep meaning here. You won't find it.
It's just a guy being a goof in a white uniform. Sometimes, that's enough. And sometimes, you just want to check your watch. ⚓️