Critical
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This is a splendid production in which all concerned deserve the highest praise. Valerie Hobson is excellent as Mary Morison and the brothers are played by Michael Redgrave as Charles and Griffith Jones as David. The photographers and technicians have managed to produce some moving sea sequences and the acting from star to super is really first-class. The film is good propaganda, especially at the moment, and should be seen with enthusiasm both here and in America."
Kine Weekly wrote: "The architecture of the period story is, at times, a little cumbersome, but its colorful authenticity and vividly realistic and thrilling sea spectacle subsequently conquer its initial lack of showmanship. ... Authentic, inspiring and actionful story, accurate and impressive characterisation, appealing and spirited romantic angle."
Picture Show wrote: "Spectacular drama of the establishment of the first regular steamship service between England and America. ... As Charles and Mary Ann, Michael Redgrave and Valerie Hobson give delightful portrayals, with Griffith Jones excellent as David."
Variety wrote: "Sketchiness in dramatic outline holds it short of solid appeal. Acknowledged confines of British production have been minimized in effect by the lavish treatment Max Milder has accorded his picture, dressiness nearly lifting it to epic standards. But in view of the spectacular background of a yarn concerning the heartbreak and chiseling which preceded the coming of steam to the Atlantic, its unfortunate screenplay should not have centered heavily on a weak, patchy romantic structure wherein too many scribes seem to have had a hand. Walter Forde's direction aces in the spectacular stuff of shipwreck, storm and free-for-all; is unable to shake off lethargy of the script once away from these."
