The Cruel Sea

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.

• Eric AmblerScreenplay
• Charles FrendDirector

• 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