A state welfare agent persuades a Maine lobsterman to take a troubled orphan boy aboard.
Acting
Dean Stockwell's chaotic child energy vs. Dana Andrews' granite restraint
Cinematography
Atlantic fog swallowing human drama whole

Director
Henry King
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Henry King shot this immediately after Twelve O'Clock High, pivoting from war trauma to maritime trauma like emotional whiplash.
This was Dean Stockwell's 'troubled orphan' era before he became the troubled adult in Blue Velvet—Hollywood kept casting him as damaged goods.