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Ship of Fools

Play trailer Poster for Ship of Fools 1965 2h 23m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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63% Tomatometer 24 Reviews 76% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
When an eclectic group of passengers boards a cruise ship bound for prewar Germany, they form a microcosm of 1930s society. One passenger, a mysterious countess (Simone Signoret) is headed for a German prison camp. The charming Dr. Schumann (Oskar Werner) harbors a debilitating heart condition. Then there's American divorcée Mary Treadwell (Vivien Leigh), who vainly attempts to outrun time itself. During their weeks at sea, the group forges bonds and rivalries, and unearths secrets.
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Ship of Fools

Critics Reviews

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William J. Nazzaro Arizona Republic Mar 30, 2022
For the most part, despite several extremely fine performances from a large and mostly able cast, it is mainly superficial, pretentious, and obvious. Go to Full Review Variety Staff Variety Nov 7, 2007
Director-producer Stanley Kramer and scenarist Abby Mann have distilled the essence of Katherine Anne Porter's bulky novel in a film that appeals to the intellect and the emotions. Go to Full Review Tom Milne Time Out Jun 24, 2006
Don't look now, but as you might expect with message-mad Kramer at the helm of this adaptation of Katherine Anne Porter's novel, there's a heavy allegory aboard. Go to Full Review Diana Tuova Spotlight on Film Aug 9, 2024
4/5
Ship of Fools is distinguished by its unusual presentation, incredible cast, and the acting of Simone Signoret and Oskar Werner. Go to Full Review Elizabeth Hardwick Vogue Jun 20, 2023
Each scene in Ship of Fools is interesting enough. What one misses most is a sense of history, that devastation of the thirties and forties toward which the ship of fools and its cargo are steaming. Go to Full Review Cameron Meier MeierMovies.com Sep 5, 2022
2.75/5
In the end, I agreed less with the film’s detractors and more with The New York Times’ Bosley Crowther, who called it a “powerful, ironic film [with a] wealth of reflection upon the human condition.” Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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David B @Bowcoyi Dec 8, 2025 Excellent people observation and character studies , well cast and well acted and very necessary post WW2 to remind us all of the social ills that we are all at risk of. The topics that are touch on include Antisemitism Prejudice Discrimination Prostitution Etc.... Sometimes using humour and irony to make it's well made points, it's long but well worth watching See more Xian C. @Filmclass Jul 29, 2025 Fantastic period piece calling out the prejudice and frailty of this ship of fools. It’s resonates today. Some criticize its length but it’s about a month at sea. Such a voyage could become interminable and the film portrays that. Watch this film. See more Luis M. D @RT44148560 May 31, 2024 This over ambitious – even pretentious – movie has three main problems. First, it is way too long with nearly 150 minutes time. Second, it is dispersed and unfocused – with too many storylines that are constantly cut and take us some time to familiarize with. And third, some of the stories are ridiculous and intranscendental, which makes the movie boring. If you have the patience you will hear some critical social commentary and enjoy some humor, but I found the whole project unconvincing. See more nick s @Nick_S Mar 17, 2024 Moves very slowly. Great acting but rather inconsequential. I think if you're in the right mood you'll enjoy the social parlay. See more CodyZamboni @CodyZamboni Jun 16, 2023 Well intentioned but plodding tale of various passengers and crew members, sailing from Mexico to Germany in 1933. Movie details their regrets, prejudices, naivette of the changing German government, failed relationships, none of which are very compelling. See more georgan g @RT98616417 Oct 28, 2021 A ship of stars shows the folly of people, whether in their personal lives, relationships, &/or xenophobia. Well acted & written. See more Read all reviews
Ship of Fools

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Cast & Crew

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Stanley Kramer

Director

Vivien Leigh

Mary Treadwell

Simone Signoret

La Condesa

Oskar Werner

Dr. Schumann

José Ferrer

Rieber

Lee Marvin

Tenny

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Ship of Fools

Ship of Fools (1965) Ship of Fools (1965) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When an eclectic group of passengers boards a cruise ship bound for prewar Germany, they form a microcosm of 1930s society. One passenger, a mysterious countess (Simone Signoret) is headed for a German prison camp. The charming Dr. Schumann (Oskar Werner) harbors a debilitating heart condition. Then there's American divorcée Mary Treadwell (Vivien Leigh), who vainly attempts to outrun time itself. During their weeks at sea, the group forges bonds and rivalries, and unearths secrets.
Director
Stanley Kramer
Screenwriter
Abby Mann
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Production Co
Stanley Kramer Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 29, 1965, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 25, 2010
Runtime
2h 23m
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