Is Caribbean Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Caribbean is likely a skip if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Caribbean Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1952, Caribbean enters the Adventure genre with a narrative focused on Francis Barclay, a former member of the British Admiralty, who was captured in the early 1700s, and sold into slavery, by Andrew McAllister, and forced into piracy, enlists the aid of Dick Lindsay, to help him invade MacAllister's fortified island. Under the direction of Edward Ludwig, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from John Payne, Arlene Dahl, Cedric Hardwicke. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Caribbean offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Caribbean is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 5.8/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Adventure, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Caribbean Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $1 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Cast of Caribbean
- John Payne – Dick Lindsay / Robert McAllister
- Arlene Dahl – Christine Barclay McAllister
- Cedric Hardwicke – Captain Francis Barclay
- Francis L. Sullivan – Andrew McAllister
- Willard Parker – Shively
Top Highlights
John PayneDick Lindsay / Robert McAllister
Arlene DahlChristine Barclay McAllister
Cedric HardwickeCaptain Francis Barclay
Francis L. SullivanAndrew McAllister
Willard ParkerShively
Dennis HoeyBurford
Clarence MuseQuashy
William PullenRobert McAllister
Walter ReedEvans
Ramsay HillTownsend
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Caribbean stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1952 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caribbean movie hit or flop?
Caribbean has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Caribbean worth watching?
Caribbean is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Caribbean?
Caribbean is a Adventure movie that Francis Barclay, a former member of the British Admiralty, who was captured in the early 1700s, and sold into slavery, by Andrew McAllister, and force...
You Might Also Like
Explore More Verdicts
More with John Payne
View full filmography
Critic Reviews
John Payne ("Dick Lindsay/Robert McAllister") is conscripted by pirate captain "Barclay" (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) to impersonate the nephew of his nemesis "McAllister" (Francis L. Sullivan). He must infiltrate his impregnable fortress headquarters so that he can enable it to be taken. Once there, though, he meets the feisty daughter "Christine" (Arlene Dahl) and after a rocky start they start to bond... This is a pretty predictable, if colourful, pirate yarn. Sullivan has a bit of oomph to his character, but Hardwicke is just way too static, Payne a poor man's Louis Hayward and Dahl has none of the charisma of, say, Maureen O'Hara. If you like the genre (I do) then this passes 90-odd minutes, well enough - but it's little better than a standard afternoon feature with precious little action until the end, which itself is really rather disappointing..