black scum". Hall did believe, however, that the exploits with the whale were not as effective as they could have been, concluding that "this is a good production and one which contains much interest, but it is not a great photoplay". Photoplay magazine wrote: "John Barrymore gives his usual finished performance. His agony is almost too realistic in the scene wherein the sailors cauterize the bloody stump of the leg torn off by the sea beast. It's too gruemsome for the sensitive souls... Dolores Costello's beauty is a delight to behold, and her acting is unbelievably good for a comparative newcomer. The scene in which she first sees the havoc wrought upon her lover by the white whale reaches artistic heights that leave one trembling. And the scene is perfect pictorially." However, Movie Monthly was less enthusiastic about the film, declaring that it "does not come up to expectations, principally because its story turns out to be quite preposterous". Preservation The film survives intact and was broadcast on television in the 1950s. The film is listed as being held by several archives around the world. It is available on DVD from Televista. In May 2021 the film and a large poster became available on Alpha Video. See also List of American films of 1926 John Barrymore filmography References Bibliography External links The Sea Beast at SilentEra.com Australian daybill long poster more accessible version of Australian daybill left to right James O. Barrows, George O'Hara (tall hat), Dolores Costello (Wayback Machine) rare novella of the 1926 film The Sea Beast 1926 films 1920s disaster films American black-and-white films American disaster films American silent feature films American survival films 1920s English-language films American films about revenge Films about whaling Films based on Moby-Dick Films directed by Millard Webb Warner Bros. films American drama films 1926 drama films Films with screenplays by Rupert Hughes Surviving American silent films 1920s American films Silent American drama films Silent adventure films