Mara Maru (1952)

After his partner (Richard Webb) is murdered because of his knowledge regarding a diamond treasure, a salvage boat captain (Errol Flynn) has his own scheme to recover the loot. But not if a local collector (Raymond Burr) has anything to say about it. Directed by the generic Gordon Douglas (TONY ROME), all the elements for an exciting high seas adventure are in place. But what we get is a routine adventure flick that finds an aging and rather tired looking Flynn going through the motions. It's a passable programmer until the last fifteen minutes when it goes all sanctimonious on us. Ruth Roman is on hand as the dish desired by both Flynn and Burr. The most interesting character is the detective (Paul Picerni) for hire who plays both sides against the middle. The B&W cinematography by Robert Burks (an Oscar winner for TO CATCH A THIEF) is decent enough but the film could have benefited from Technicolor. The score is pure unadulterated Max Steiner. With Dan Seymour and Georges Renavent.