Ruth Moore's best-selling novel SPOONHANDLE was renamed DEEP WATERS for this 1948 film. Straightforward story about an orphaned boy and the lives of several people he changes.
Jean Peters plays a young, idealistic social worker in coastal Maine. She is afraid of the sea and its power, especially its dangers for the lobstermen and the heartache of those left behind when the sea claims them. Dana Andrews plays a lobsterman who loves Peters but also loves his job. Dean Stockwell is a troubled boy whose father was a fisherman. Peters tries to keep the boy away from the sea but it's in his blood. She places the orphan with a crotchety old lady (Anne Revere) who is tough but fair on the boy. The boy runs away and gets into trouble.
Something must change, but these Mainers are all stubborn. Finally, one last incident changes all their lives forever.
Andrews is excellent as the lobsterman, and Peters is quite believable as the over-protective social worker. Stockwell turns in a great performance as does Revere as the rock-solid old lady. Cesar Romero plays Andrews' fishing partner. Ed Begley plays an influential friend. Raymond Greenleaf is the wise old judge, and Mae Marsh is the grieving widow. In small parts, Harry Tyler and Will Geer are recognizable.
The exteriors were filmed on Vinalhaven and in Rockland and Belfast. The ocean scenes are terrific as is the big storm which won an Oscar nomination for special effects. The location shooting just screamed out for color.
