Voyage of the Yes

A worthwhile dramatic effort by two actors known primarily for their work in situation comedies. Desi Arnaz Jr. (from, of course, his mother's series "Here's Lucy") and Mike Evans (Lionel Jefferson on "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons") battle both the elements and their own mistrust of one another on what starts out as a pleasure cruise in a sailboat from California to Hawaii; look quickly for future "angel" Della Reese in a small role. The movie also makes effective use of Paul Simon's song, "El Condor Pasa" (adapted from an Andean folk melody).

I won't recant the plot, as that is listed here in the summary.

This film played on TV back in 1973, and at the time got some great reviews and created a little stir. Mercifully, the movie didn't just completely vanish in a vault, left only to memories, but has been saved and now can be found on DVD (Amazon, eBay, etc.) If you saw the film before, you are likely like me and when the title appeared again, want to again be touched as you once were. In that regard, you won't be disappointed. Oh, the film is dated, certainly. Some of it might make you chuckle here and there, and they obviously didn't have much of a budget back then, but that won't detract you at all, because the meaning in this story holds up extremely well. Even over 30 years later. The simply story of complex characters, and how they develop and grow is still as true today as it was then, and probably forever will be. The core of this film is very well written, and surprisingly well acted. I can't imagine anyone watching this film and not caring about the characters and being moved by their situation, their growth and friendship.

As to the DVD (when you find it) is no frills. The picture quality is not bad for the time, 4:3 TV aspect ratio, looking like a good VHS tape, or good old TV broadcast. The audio is mono, and generally good. Around 50 minutes in there is a slight buzz that might annoy you, but soon disappears. There are no trailers, no commentary, nothing like that. The DVD is coupled with a Johnny Cash/Eli Wallach film, "The Pride of Jesse Hallum", if that interests you, or if you can't find the title under Voyage of Yes, you may try it under that name instead.

"Cal Markwell" (Desi Arnaz Jr.) is a high school graduate who loves sailing. So prior to attending Stanford University he decides to set sail from California to Hawaii. His parents are okay with his decision provided that he has at least one other person going with him. But his opportunity is threatened when the person he has chosen cancels at the last minute. Having almost lost all hope he just happens to pick up a hitchhiker by the name of "Orlando B. Parker" (Mike Evans) who agrees to sail with him. But what Cal doesn't know is that Mike is a fugitive who is wanted by the Chicago police for murder. Anyway, rather than reveal any more of the story and risk ruining the film for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this was a surprisingly good "made-for-television" drama which I remember seeing when it first came out back in 1973. Admittedly, the script is rather basic and somewhat dated but I still enjoyed it all the same. Slightly above average.

The first time i saw "The Voyage of the Yes" I was a freshman in high school in 1972 It was a Made for T.V. Movie of the week. I new nothing of sailing or boating for that matter.The movie and plot are simple I agree but it introduced me to the Magick and freedom of sailing And I never forgot it,Mow some 29 years later I am a sailor and own the same modle of Sailboat that was used in the movie a Columbia 26 MKII Named GHOST "EL Condor Pasa" The latter being my link to the movie. Thank you Paul. I sail out of ThunderBay in Alpena Mi.And when I pull in the sails and lean into the wind And my Sailboat glide's across the bay i think to myself "YES" and I know it dosent get any better than this! The movie changed my life and will always be a part of me. Thank you Desi and Michel Don Dingee "GHOST"

It's a shame the story premise here was not developed to its full potential. Two youthful dudes head out to sea in a small boat, bound for Hawaii. The skipper is Cal (Desi Arnaz Jr.); his mate is Orlando (Mike Evans). Cal is White; Orlando is Black. Cal can't find anyone else to make the trip with him, so Orlando, who is running away from a bad situation, volunteers. Given the era in which the film was made, it's not surprising that some of the script deals with the issue of race. Claustrophobic quarters over time forces the two to confront their differences.

But mostly this is a story about the dreams of youth. Themes include self-reliance, self-confidence, facing unexpected problems, and in the process learning about oneself. On their journey the two encounter a shark, a storm, and become drastically off-course with no water or food.

Some of the technology is a bit dated, like the tape recorder and the survival radio. Casting is fine. Acting is better than what I would have predicted. Cinematography is acceptable. Production design is unimportant given that most of the plot takes place in open water on the small boat. I really like the Simon and Garfunkel music, consistent with a naturalistic vision.

"Voyage Of The Yes" is an outdoor adventure film with thematic depth. And though the plot is somewhat attenuated, it's a good film to watch when one has wanderlust and is ready to sail the waters to far-off ports-of-call, or to see how two individuals with different backgrounds interact.