The Sin Ship

The Sin Ship is a 1931 Precode drama film produced and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures and directed by the actor Louis Wolheim in his only directorial effort. The film marks the last contribution Wolheim made to the film industry prior to his death from cancer one month shy of his fiftyfirst birthday. In addition to directing, Wolheim also starred in the picture, alongside Mary Astor and Ian Keith. The screenplay was written by Hugh Herbert who also did double duty in the cast, from a story by Keene Thompson and Agnes Brand Leahy. The film was released in April 1931, two months after Wolheims death, and is preserved at the Library of Congress.

By the time they dock in Mexico, McVeigh has fallen in love with Kitty, who he still believes to be the wife of Minister Marsden. Aware that the authorities might become suspicious of him if McVeys ship departs immediately, Marsden delays their departure, first through the use of Kittys flirtation with McVeigh, and later through outright sabotage. After the crew accuses McVeigh of the sabotage, Marsdens true identity is revealed, and he is shot trying to flee from the Mexican police. Kitty understands that McVeigh is truly in love with her, and the two end up together after the police release her.Unfortunately being Wolheims final film, the picture only received lukewarm reviews at best. Photoplay said that the film proved ... the difficulty of both acting in and directing a picture. Motion Picture Magazine described the film, The first directorial effort of Louis Wolheim does not get off to a very auspicious start, but once the rat of melodrama is forced out into the open, a lively time is had by all. The Motion Picture Herald, on the other hand, was more positive, stating the film had a ... meaningless title tacked onto a cracking good sea story, classing it as a ... very satisfactory entertainment for the smaller communities. ........

Source: Wikipedia