Old Ironsides (film)

Plot

Early in the 19th century, the USS Constitution is launched as part of an effort to stop piracy in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, a young man determined to go to sea (Farrell) is befriended by the bos'n (Beery) of the merchant ship Esther, and he joins her crew. When the Esther reaches the Mediterranean, she too, along with the Constitution, becomes involved in the battle against the pirates.

Cast

Gary Cooper was in the film as an extra.

Production background

The movie was directed by James Cruze in a widescreen process that Paramount promoted as "Magnascope".

This lavish oceangoing epic features battle scenes with sailing ships and pirates; Beery would revisit the genre and play Long John Silver in Treasure Island eight years later.

Box office receipts from the premiere at the Rialto Theater went to the USS Constitution restoration fund.

Production

Availability

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City exhibited a restored 35mm print of the film in December 2008.

On July 19, 1997, a free public showing of the film was offered at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, as a part of "Sail 200" festivities for the ship's bicentennial. A large screen was mounted beside the ship; film organist Dennis James, working from Erno Rapee's's original music, accompanied the showing. During the scene depicting its battle with the HMS Guerriere, the ship's own cannon were fired in synch with the film.