High Barbaree (1947)
A classic MGM wartime drama where a downed Navy pilot relives his life, loves, and dreams while adrift in the South Pacific.
High Barbaree - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1947
- Directed by: Jack Conway
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, War
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 1, 1947 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
High Barbaree - Plot
After his plane is downed in the South Pacific, a Navy flier recounts his life to a co-pilot while awaiting rescue.
High Barbaree - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for this classic wartime drama:
Six Great Stars! A Thousand Unforgettable Moments!
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High Barbaree - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jack Conway
Main Cast
- Van Johnson
- June Allyson
- Thomas Mitchell
- Marilyn Maxwell
- Cameron Mitchell
- Claude Jarman Jr.
- Henry Hull
- Geraldine Wall
- Barbara Brown
- Paul Harvey
Writers
- Anne Morrison Chapin
- Whitfield Cook
- Cyril Hume
Producers
- Everett Riskin
High Barbaree - FAQs
What is High Barbaree about?
High Barbaree follows Navy pilot Alec Brooke, stranded in the South Pacific after his plane goes down. While waiting to be rescued, he recounts his life story to his co-pilot — his childhood, his loves, and the dreams that shaped him. It's a tender wartime drama wrapped in memory and longing.
Does High Barbaree have a happy ending?
High Barbaree leans toward a hopeful, emotionally satisfying conclusion. The film's structure — built around Alec's memories and his feelings for Nancy — resolves in a way that rewards patient viewers. Without giving too much away, the ending ties together the film's themes of love, survival, and second chances.
Where can you stream or watch High Barbaree?
You can rent or buy High Barbaree on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. It's not currently available on a subscription streaming service, but all three platforms make it easy to watch on demand.
Who are the main actors in High Barbaree?
Van Johnson and June Allyson lead the cast as Alec Brooke and Nancy Frazer. They're joined by Thomas Mitchell, Marilyn Maxwell, Cameron Mitchell, and a young Claude Jarman Jr. — a strong MGM ensemble that brings real warmth to the story.
Is High Barbaree based on a true story or novel?
High Barbaree is based on the 1945 novel of the same name by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall, the duo best known for Mutiny on the Bounty. The story blends wartime survival with nostalgic romance, and the film adaptation keeps that same bittersweet, reflective spirit.
Who directed High Barbaree and what else did he make?
Jack Conway directed High Barbaree, one of his final films before retiring. A veteran MGM director, Conway helmed classics like A Tale of Two Cities (1935) and Boom Town (1940). His steady, character-focused style suits the film's intimate, memory-driven narrative perfectly.
What is the runtime and age rating of High Barbaree?
High Barbaree runs 91 minutes — a tight, well-paced runtime for a drama of its era. The film is rated NR (Not Rated), as it predates the modern rating system. It's a classic Hollywood production with nothing objectionable, suitable for general audiences.
What are some movies similar to High Barbaree?
If you enjoy High Barbaree, you might also like Pearl Harbor (2001), Dark Blue World (2001), or Mister Roberts (1955) for their wartime drama and personal storytelling. For more classic aviation films, Flying Leathernecks (1951) and One of Our Aircraft Is Missing (1942) are worth exploring.
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