The Sea Calls (1933): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1933, The Sea Calls is a drama and war film directed by Hans Hinrich, running about 81 minutes.

What it’s about. The Baltic captain Terje Wiggen works as a pilot on the island of Muhu. When the mate of the ship “Carola” calls in sick, he jumps at the chance of reviving his life as a sailor. WWI breaks soon after the departure. By and by the ship’s company gets worn down by dead calm. On account of the plague-ridden captain, Wiggen disposes of the contaminated water reserve. Discontent among the crew rises until they take the sole lifeboat and leave their mate behind. Wiggen unsuccessfully tries to bring the ship under control. At the last minute he is rescued off the Japanese coast. At his return he promises to never leave his wife and child again. But the German Imperial Navy begins to blockade the waterways of the island. Wiggen paddles to Sweden with the intention of smuggling provisions for his family. On his way back he is detained by a German captain. After five years of imprisonment he returns to Muhu once more. Wiggen is hellbent on vengeance. (Deutsche Kinemathek)

Who’s in it. The Sea Calls stars Heinrich George as Terje Wiggen, Erika Helmke as Antje, seine Frau, Hans Mierendorff as Peters, Kapitän der 'Carola' and Franz Stein as Der alte Jansen, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Sea Calls page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Sea Calls tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.