An early Victor Mature effort, CAPTAIN CAUTION tells the tale of a merchant vessel assaulted by the British at the start of the War of 1812. The vessel's captain is killed and his daughter (so-so actress Louise Platt) assumes command. She decides to pursue the British and is given the choice of Mature or Bruce (KING KONG) Cabot for first mate. The spot goes to Cabot, who turns out to be a privateer in the employ of the highest bidder, in this case the British. He convinces her to head for France rather than America, and once in port, the ship is taken. She unwisely stays with Cabot, who is now planning to sail for America, while Mature and his loyal followers are held prisoner. With the help of a very young Alan Ladd, Mature and the boys escape and pursue Cabot's ship. As you can imagine, the action never stops and the battle scenes are eye-popping even in black and white. Taken from a Kenneth Roberts novel, CAPTAIN CAUTION is a forgotten mini-masterpiece that only falls down whenever the leading lady takes center stage. But the young Victor Mature is pretty impressive in his two-fisted role and Cabot plays his traitor role just subtly enough to convince even the most jaded moviegoer. Plus the wonderful Leo (CISCO KID) Carillo is aboard for comic relief. Too bad the film wasn't shot in color.
