The Long Ships

The Long Ships, respects the story underneath its action rather than burying it. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 63 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Richard Widmark brings a physicality to the role that elevates every sequence. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Long Ships earns its spot. The set pieces are impressive, but it is the story underneath them that gives The Long Ships its staying power. Moorish ruler El Mansuh is determined to locate a massive bell made of gold known as the "Mother of Voices." Viking explorer Rolfe also becomes intent on finding the mythical treasure, and sails with his crew from Scandinavia to Africa to track it down. Reluctantly working together, El Mansuh and Rolfe, along with their men, embark on a quest for the prized object, but only one leader will be able to claim the bell as his own — if it even exists at all. The physicality Richard Widmark and Sidney Poitier bring elevates every sequence. It was released in 1964. The Long Ships earns its bigger moments by making you care about the outcome before it happens. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Action fans who want craft and story alongside the spectacle will find exactly that in The Long Ships. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Richard Widmark is the obvious draw, but the supporting cast gives the action the context it needs to land. The action holds up because the character work underneath it never lets up.

The Long Ships was released in 1964, directed by Jack Cardiff. The full 126-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.