Two Years Before the Mast facts for kids
Two Years Before the Mast is a 1946 American adventure movie. It was directed by John Farrow and tells a story based on a real-life book from 1840. That book, also called Two Years Before the Mast, was written by Richard Henry Dana Jr.. The movie stars actors like Alan Ladd, Brian Donlevy, and William Bendix. Paramount Pictures released the film.
About the Movie
This movie takes you back to the 1830s. It shows what life was like for sailors on a long journey around Cape Horn. This was a very dangerous trip around the southern tip of South America. The film is full of adventure and shows the tough challenges sailors faced.
The Story of the Film
The movie follows a young man who leaves his comfortable life to become a sailor. He joins a ship that travels from Boston, USA, all the way to California. Back then, California was a wild place, not yet part of the United States. The ship's main job was to trade goods, especially cowhides.
Life on the ship was very hard. Sailors had to deal with strict captains, harsh weather, and difficult tasks. The movie shows their daily struggles and how they worked together. It's a story about courage and survival at sea.
Based on a True Story
The movie is based on a famous book written by Richard Henry Dana Jr.. He was a real person who actually sailed on a ship like the one in the story. Dana was a student from a wealthy family. He decided to become a common sailor for two years to improve his health and see the world.
His book, published in 1840, became very popular. It gave people a rare look into the lives of sailors during that time. It showed the dangers, the hard work, and the unfair treatment sailors sometimes faced. The book helped bring about changes to make life better for sailors.
Images for kids
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California hide trade: carrying hides from an Alta California shore to a boat for export.
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First edition of Two Years Before the Mast, 1840.
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A page from the original book manuscript, written by Richard Henry Dana Jr..
