Reptileenbu Did you people see the same film I saw?

Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation

Isbel A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Scarlet The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

JohnHowardReid Copyright 12 May 1952 by Warner Bros Pictures, Inc. New York opening at the Warner: 23 April 1952. U.S. release: 3 May 1952. U.K. release (in a 91-minute version): 11 August 1952. Australian release: 8 January 1953. Sydney opening at the Park (ran 2 weeks). 98 minutes. SYNOPSIS: A deep-sea diver, engaged in salvage operations in the Philippines, is the only person who knows the exact location of a sunken treasure. NOTES: Despite the hic-cup of Captain Fabian, Flynn's next movie, Mara Maru, did quite good business in Australia. Locations in Los Angeles and Newport Harbors, Catalina Island and San Fernando Mission (doubling for a Manilla cathedral).COMMENT: The trouble with Mara Maru is not so much its plot - or even its less than lavish budget - but its dialogue. Talk, talk, talk. True, Douglas and Burks do their best. The picture is always most attractively atmospheric to look at, even at its dullest and most garrulous. Yes, there's a bit of action certainly, but not enough. Too much aural padding, not enough real tension. Not enough conflict and roundness in the characters either, despite marvellous efforts by sterling players, particularly Burr (one of our favorite villains), to give them life. A special hand-clap for Michael Ross as Big China. Flynn himself is adequate enough. His fights are staged with convincing doubles. Miss Roman makes for okay decoration, but strikes few sparks. Mara Maru is one of Douglas's most fluent films. The photography, as stated, is remarkably skillful too, giving the sets an obvious luster that in less talented hands they wouldn't have. Editing is smooth, though judicious trimming would not go amiss. A pity to see so much craftsmanship wasted on such an empty script. The plot has promise but the end result is neither sufficiently witty nor dry. And what's worse, it takes far too long to make its points. OTHER VIEWS: Despite some underwater scenes with obviously double-exposed, transparent fish and seemingly endless close-ups of Flynn in his diving helmet, this is an action-full melodrama with good performances and solid direction (Gordon Douglas). N. Richard Nash's screenplay does not treat Miss Roman too kindly as most of her dialogue is pretty dull. She is better served by photographer Robert Burks. Max Steiner's music score is one of his most pedestrian. - JHR writing as Charles Freeman.

zardoz-13 Errol Flynn dives for sunken treasure in "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" director Gordon Douglas' "Mara Maru," with Ruth Roman, Raymond Burr, and Paul Picerni. This black & white yarn about avarice on high seas is predictable fare, but a top-notch cast, Gordon Douglas' assured direction, and some good underwater diving scene keep it afloat. Like the character that he plays, Errol Flynn was on his way down by the time that he cast in this adequate potboiler. Director Gordon Douglas doesn't let the action get water-logged for a moment, and "Mara Maru" is an entertaining epic even though it doesn't have any major surprises in it. Raymond Burr is perfectly cast as a villain with smooth edges who displays no qualms about cheating his partners as they set out to find a jewel encrusted cross. Picerni is just as oily as another villain who has a difficult time deciding whose side—either Burr or Flynn—that he wants to support. Virile Richard Webb gives a good account of himself as Flynn's former partner who winds up murdered before the first 30 minutes elapses. Another familiar face in this sturdy saga is Dan Seymour who plays a local cop in Manilla who wants to pin a murder on the intractable Flynn. Flynn fans will have a ball with this one. Of course, a capable stunt man probably wore the helmet and suit for the deep sea diving scenes, but Douglas does a good job of inserting close-ups of Flynn in the helmet into the action.

ashew It is beyond me why critics had such a problem with Errol Flynn. He was, even in his worst films, an excellent actor. I think people let his personal flaws and wild personal life cloud their opinion. I think Errol Flynn is one of the most under-rated actors in the history of film, and never got the respect he deserved. Yes, part of that is certainly his own fault, but definitely not all of it.Mara Maru is unquestionably one of Flynn's lesser films. It is a bit slow in parts, and there are a couple of plot holes that one must overlook, but I found myself overlooking them and just watching the movie to be entertained. If one does this, the movie is certainly worth a viewing. I found Ruth Roman such a blessing, as she was not one of those melodramatic, chew-the-wallpaper actresses from the old studio system...she was grounded, strong, and REALLY beautiful. The rest of the supporting cast was pretty good, too. Raymond Burr is always fun to watch as a bad guy, and I enjoyed the two actors who portrayed the Filipino boys. Paul Picerni and Dan Seymour I found to be a little over the top, but not so bad that they were totally annoying or unwatchable. And, for me, anything with Errol Flynn is fun...even in a mediocre film...there is just something about the guy that I like.I'm giving the movie a 6 out of 10 mostly because of the solid B-film performances, competent directing through most of the film (I think the flaws are derived from poor editing, not from the directing), and for the ever-enjoyable Errol Flynn. I think those coming to the film with realistic expectations, prepared for B-film entertainment, and willing to overlook the weaknesses of the screenplay, will find themselves in for an enjoyable film experience.

lorenellroy Errol Flynn plays "Mason" co-owner of a salvage operstion based in Manila.His partner ,Callahan ,is a drunk who claims that he has the key to a fortune in lost diamonds ,sunk on board a vessel fleeing Manila before the Japanese occupation.When he is murdered suspicion falls on Mason especially when it becomes clear there is a mutual attraction between him and Callahan's widow (Ruth Roman ).Cleared of murder by the testimony of a private eye ,Ranier (well played by Paul Picerni)he is hired by the wealthy Benedict (Raymond Burr )to track down the treasure. The scene is set for betrayal ,shipwreck and a lively climax in the catacombs under Manila Cathedral. The movie sags a little in the underwater scenes which are murky and uninvolving but overall its a lively if minor thriller albeit one in which the ravages of the star's off screen debauchery are reflected in Flynn's appearance and slightly weary performance.Burr is admirable as the heavy and Roman is fine like most of the cast while the Max Steiner score is a big bonus.Good time passer but a long way from the stars glory days.