Uriah43 This movie essentially begins with an American woman named "Julia Sturges" (Barbara Stanwyck) boarding the RMS Titanic with her 18 year-old daughter "Annette Sturges" (Audrey Dalton) and somewhat younger son "Norman Sturges" (Harper Carter). What neither Annette nor Norman realize is that Julia has booked passage on this particular ship to get away from her husband "Richard Ward Sturges" (Clifton Webb) in order to give them a chance to experience a normal life in the United States. Unfortunately, Richard finds out and manages to obtain a ticket at the last possible moment. Although an ugly argument ensues it is nothing in comparison to the disaster that awaits them in the near future. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a splendid film which manages to combine romance, drama and tragedy in an excellent manner. The fact that it won an Academy Award for "Best Writing, Story and Screenplay" attests to this. In any case, I highly recommend this film for those who might be interested in a movie of this type and I have rated it accordingly. Definitely above average.

Wayne Maynard I saw this when I was very young but it always stayed with me. Though the story has been told many times and the movie remade several times, this edition sticks with me as the best as the characters and cast are unbeatable. The Stanwyck / Webb duo is one of the best match-ups a film could ask for. The special effects are surprisingly good for its time and this, combined with a good storyline make it my favorite rendition of this sad tale. We see a very young Robert Wagner and the ever brash Thelma Ritter as vital supporting characters. Though the James Cameron version got more hype with some better graphics, our 1953 films far surpasses it for story and character substance. It's a winner all around.

Lechuguilla One of the most fateful and foreboding stories ever committed to film, this version is by far the best cinematic treatment of the epic ocean disaster of 1912. A fictional but plausible story of the breakup of a marriage and the effects on a wealthy family overlay the real-life cataclysmic end to the unsinkable boat, the largest moving object ever built at the time. This blatant irony is unnerving.The fictional story is well written with good plot flow and transitions. Characters are well defined and interesting. What I like here is the contrast between the personal pettiness of Julia (Barbara Stanwyck) and Richard (Clifton Webb), against the ominous and overarching doom toward which they are unknowingly moving.Similarly, Captain Smith (Brian Aherne) goes about his ship duties in a most nonchalant manner, just one more voyage among countless others. Arguably, the ship itself is the main character, majestic, stately, grand, and luxurious, matching its first-class passengers, the focus of this story.The script is terrific but the production may be even better. Production design and costumes are detailed and seem authentic for that era. Photographic effects of the ship sinking, combined with that mournful wailing sound, magnify the drama. Absence of score enhances realism, and songs are appropriately melancholy. Casting and acting range from acceptable to great; Thelma Ritter gives an unusually good performance.Some Titanic films convey a semi-documentary look and feel; characters in these films are mere props, lacking humanity. By contrast, "Titanic" (1953) has heart and soul. After all, the epic event was first and foremost a story about people, individuals with personal problems and dreams for the future. That's what makes this film so emotionally rich.With its poetic script and terrific execution, "Titanic" (1953) gives us a timeless story of ominous fate, a poignant humanistic story of misplaced trust in technology, and the dramatic contrast between short-term pettiness and misfortune so dire as to overwhelm those affected for the rest of their lives.

wes-connors In the cruel month of April 1912, the luxurious "Titanic" has begun its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Movie viewers of all generations will know how it ends. For this story, the focus is on one particular family - headed by wealthy husband Clifton Webb (as Richard Ward Sturges) and his exceptionally well-dressed wife Barbara Stanwyck (as Julia). Unfortunately, their marriage is on the rocks. Aboard ship, the pair battle over who will win custody of young son Harper Carter (as Norman) and pretty daughter Audrey Dalton (as Annette). He is ready for long pants and she is ready for romance...The main supporting passenger is exceptionally handsome Robert Wagner (as Gifford "Giff" Rogers). He appropriately performs "Oh! That Navajo Rag", a contemporary hit song. Others characters of note include alcoholic priest Richard Basehart (as George Healey) and the unsinkable Thelma Ritter (as Maude Young). Producer Charles Brackett, who won an "Oscar" as co-writer, corralled a fine team for this version. While falling a little short of "A Night to Remember" (1958), "Titanic" (1953) hits all cylinders successfully and remains a fine example of Hollywood-produced product from the 1950s.******** Titanic (4/11/53) Jean Negulesco ~ Clifton Webb, Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Wagner, Richard Basehart