Set sail for a cinematic adventure with 1940’s masterpiece, The Long Voyage Home. The film isn’t a typical Hollywood swashbuckler. Instead, it dives deep (pun intended) into the lives of a motley crew on a cargo ship, the SS Glencairn, as they journey from the Caribbean to Baltimore and eventually war-torn England.
Here’s how you can watch and stream The Long Voyage Home (1940) via streaming services such as HBO Max.
Is The Long Voyage Home (1940) available to watch via streaming?
Yes, The Long Voyage Home (1940) is available to watch via streaming on HBO Max.
Based on the works of Eugene O’Neill, a titan of playwriting, the film isn’t a single, linear story. It’s a tapestry woven from several of O’Neill’s one-act plays, each offering a glimpse into the crew’s world. There’s Driscoll, the grizzled Irishman who keeps the peace (most of the time), and Ole Olsen, the young Swedish farmhand yearning for a life on land. The grim shadow of World War II adds tension, a constant reminder of the world they’re sailing back to.
Don’t expect a film filled with thrilling action sequences on the high seas. The drama unfolds in the quiet moments between ports, in smoky pubs reeking of rum and regret, and in heartfelt conversations under starry skies. The film tackles themes of loneliness, camaraderie, and the yearning for home, themes that can resonate with most of us if not all.
The film was directed by John Ford. Before becoming synonymous with the Wild West, John Wayne shines here as a dependable crew member named Mister Peabody. But the film isn’t a one-man show. The true strength lies in its ensemble cast. Thomas Mitchell delivered a powerful performance as the crew’s unofficial doctor, a man haunted by past mistakes. Even Barry Fitzgerald, the spiteful steward Cocky, are richly drawn, leaving a lasting impression.
Watch The Long Voyage Home (1940) streaming via HBO Max
The Long Voyage Home (1940) is available to watch on HBO Max.
HBO Max is a streaming service that offers a treasure trove of entertainment. It boasts all the HBO classics we crave, alongside exclusive content like “Max Originals.” If you’re looking for variety, Max throws in popular shows and movies from Warner Bros., DC Comics, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Channel, giving us a wild mix of genres to explore.
You can watch via Max, formerly known as HBO Max, by following these steps:
- Go to HBOMax.com/subscribe
- Click ‘Sign Up Now’
- Choose your plan:
- $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (with ads)
- $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year (ad-free)
- $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year (ultimate ad-free)
- Enter your personal information and password
- Select ‘Create Account’
Max With Ads provides the service’s streaming library at a Full HD resolution, allowing users to stream on up to two supported devices at once. Max Ad-Free removes the service’s commercials and allows streaming on two devices at once in Full HD. It also allows for 30 downloads at a time to allow users to watch content offline. On the other hand, Max Ultimate Ad-Free allows users to stream on four devices at once in a 4K Ultra HD resolution and provides Dolby Atmos audio and 100 downloads.
The Long Voyage Home (1940) synopsis is as follows:
“The crew of the merchant ship Glencairn hope to survive a transatlantic crossing during World War II. Adapted from four Eugene O’Neill one-act plays.”
NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.
