Is Windjammer Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1937)

📖 The Core Premise

Windjammer returns to the screen in 1937, bringing a fresh narrative to the Action, Adventure genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The fourth and last of the George A. Hirliman-produced films starring George O'Brien (preceded by "Daniel Boone", "Park Avenue Logger" and "Hollywood Cowboy") that were distributed by RKO Radio. Hirliman sold O'Brien's contract to RKO, which then produced 18 series westerns starring O'Brien that ended when O'Brien went into the Navy at the outbreak of WW II. Long-time (past and future) O'Brien director David Howard served as Hirliman's Associate Producer on this film. "Windjammer" finds O'Brien as a subpoena server ordered to serve a subpoena on Brandon Evans (The Commondore) for a senate inquiry or lose his job. Posing as a playboy, he boards the Commodore's yacht during a yacht race, and the yacht is wrecked by a gun-running windjammer commanded by Captain Morgan (William Hall.) All hands are picked up by the windjammer, including the Commodore's daughter (played by Constance Worth) and put to work as galley slaves."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, George O'Brien's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Action. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Windjammer worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Adventure films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Windjammer is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 60 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.