If viewers can overlook the improbable romance between a seafaring seal hunter and a petite Russian countess, "The World in His Arms" is a lively, good-natured movie from director Raoul Walsh. Jonathan Clark is the womanizing captain of a seal-hunting schooner that poaches in Russian-Alaska waters during the mid-19th century. Considered little more than a pirate, Clark competes with Portugee, a colorful rival for women, crew, and seal pelts. The on-shore drinking and brawling are interrupted when Clark encounters Marina, a Russian royal, who has been unwillingly betrothed by the Tsar to a Prince.
The film is an Errol Flynn adventure without Errol Flynn. Gregory Peck was cast as Clark in a role better suited to either a Flynn or a Sterling Hayden. The refined, always-a-gentleman Peck is unconvincing as a womanizer, boozer, and carouser, and the suggestion that the tall slender actor could physically best the brawny robust Anthony Quinn as Portugee undercuts credibility. The loud, boisterous Quinn steals his every scene, and Hans Conried as a hotel clerk is also amusing in a small role. Icily beautiful Ann Blyth is adequate as the countess, but the delicate actress's attraction for a rough virile seaman, who smells of seals and fish, fails to convince.
Based on a novel of the same title by Rex Beach, the film was beautifully lensed by Russell Metty, who captures the gaudy costumes and tumultuous seascapes in glorious Technicolor. Director Walsh maintains a steady pace, which reaches a climax in an exciting race between Clark and Portugee, each helming their own schooners through Alaskan waters. While no actual seal killing is depicted, Clark's crew walk amongst them with clubs, their cruel intent evident. In an unconvincing attempt at justification, one seaman explains that the Russians are decimating the seal colonies, while the Americans only kill bachelor seals that would die by nature anyway. Despite the lame environmental message and unconvincing romance, "The World in His Arms" is entertaining escapist fun that is family friendly.
