Captains Courageous (1996 film)

Captains Courageous is a 1996 American made-for-television adventure film directed by Michael Anderson. It is based on the 1897 novel of the same name by Rudyard Kipling. The film tells the story of Harvey Cheyne, a spoiled and wealthy young boy who falls overboard from an ocean liner and is rescued by a Portuguese fisherman named Manuel Fidello.

The film stars Robert Urich as Captain Disko Troop, Kenny Vadas as Harvey Cheyne, Kaj-Erik Eriksen as Dan Troop, and Alfred Molina as Manuel Fidello. It portrays Harvey's transformation from an arrogant and entitled boy into a hardworking and respectful young man as he learns about life aboard a fishing schooner and develops a strong friendship with Manuel.

The television movie remains largely faithful to the original novel, although some details and characters are condensed or altered for the sake of the runtime. It explores themes of class differences, the value of hard work, and the importance of human connection. Unlike some other adaptations, this version maintains the story's setting in the late 19th century.