Titanic (1953) - A Tribute to the Titanic

Never forget the heroes of the Titanic.

Titanic is a 1953 film based on the famous true story. Boarding the ship, Richard and Julia are forced to recognize their unhappy marriage. During this ill-fated journey, secrets are revealed, affecting the relationship they have with their children.

Titanic has made a legend across history. I have been a fanatic of the Titanic since I was a kid. One year I got the 1953 film version as a gift and watched it. Clearly, I was too young to appreciate this film. In contrast to other media of the Titanic, this adaptation seeks its own creative outlook.

Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck were incredible as an unhappy couple. Webb and Stanwyck both did a wonderful job in their interactions. There emotional deliveries were performed to the highest degree.

I adored the father-son relationship between Richard and Norman. Part of my wishes that the role of Norman could have been played by an actual 10-year-old instead of Harper Carter who was 14 in his portrayal. However, his behavior recognizes the unhealthy way he looks up to his father.

An ensemble of hundreds dedicated their time as passengers of the ship. Unlike most films about the Titanic which center around a great number of subplots, Richard and Julia are given center attention.

I like Thelma Ritter’s part in the film. She added a layer of comedy to this overall sad tale. Although I will say that one historical character was inaccurate in age. That was distracting and could have been given better attention.

Other credits include Robert Wagner, Audrey Dalton, Harper Carter, Richard Basehart, Allyn Joslyn, James Todd, Frances Bergen, and William Johnstone. I especially enjoyed Brian Aherne’s memorable performance as Captain Smith. His evocative countenance of emotions was studied very well.

While it is an excellent drama, this adaptation of the Titanic does not hold true to the source material. It is too modern. Sound alarms which were prominently used at the end of the film were distracting. They also did not exist yet! Filmmakers should have paid closer attention to the time period because the clothing is more 1950s era.

The writers did a nice job with the pacing of the story. Noticing that the film only has a half-hour of the ship’s demise, the ending is directed well. The sinking happened quickly. Special effects of the models crafted for the sinking ship were excellent special effects. But I think it could have gone through better edits when we see the ship at an angle and then it switches to a set matching an uneven tilt.

One aspect of the film that has earned its fair share of criticism over time is the ending. Instead of passengers running in a panic, they all calmly sing ‘Nearer My God to Thee’ as the ship sinks. It is inaccurate to what happens, but that is okay.

This is a lovely, melancholic sequence. This climax is a chance to do something different. I like how Jean Negulesco took creative liberties to film this sequence. All Titanic movies end the same, so it’s nice to have a change.

Everybody had a story from that night. Without stories from the survivors, we would not have Titanic films. No matter how many times you watch any film that is dedicated to the Titanic, be thankful for all the heroes.

Remember the Titanic. Remember all the lives lost. Titanic still lies at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean as a mark in history that no ship is ever unsinkable. Titanic will forever live on in history as we keep telling stories.

Rest in Peace, Titanic.