Jeepers Kendall, I imagine that Robert Urich looked at it as job. As for me I can't imagine Disco Troop as looking like anyone but Lionel Barrymore. I also seem to recall that Manuel was a much less prominant figure in the book.
"Captain's Courageous" still has the best schooner sailing ever filmed I'd guess. That is the film where I fell in love with Dorys.