The read
Critics rate it 26 points higher than audiences do. Scores higher than 80% of the 679 1950s drama movies in this catalog.
Synopsis
At the start of World War II, Cmdr. Ericson is assigned to convoy escort HMS Compass Rose with inexperienced officers and men just out of training. The winter seas make life miserable enough, but the men must also harden themselves to rescuing survivors of U-Boat attacks, while seldom able to strike back. Traumatic events afloat and ashore create a warm bond between the skipper and his first officer.
Ratings
IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Critics rate it 26 points higher than audiences do.
85 audience votes
Key crew
- Charles FrendDirector
- Eric AmblerScreenplay
Cast
- Jack HawkinsEricson
- Donald SindenLockhart
- Denholm ElliottMorell
- John StrattonFerraby
- Stanley BakerBennett
- Liam RedmondWatts
- Meredith EdwardsYeoman Wells
- Bruce SetonTallow
- John WarnerBaker
- Barry LettsRaikes
- Gerard HeinzPolish Captain
- Fred GriffithsGracey
Stills
Movies like The Cruel Sea
Shows like The Cruel Sea
Themes
seasubmarineatlantic oceanworld war iinaval officercommanderroyal navyblack and whitedocudramasinking shipnaval warfarebattle of the atlantic