I had certainly heard of this war film, and the title gave me an idea of where all the film would be set, so I guess I thought I'd try it, produced by Leslie Norman (Barry's father). Set in World War II, Cmdr. Ericson (The Bridge on the River Kwai's BAFTA nominated Jack Hawkins) is assigned to join the HMS Compass Rose with inexperienced and just out of training officers. The winter makes the sea very miserable, and then men harden themselves rescuing U-Boat survivors, oh, and there are one or two battles between them and the enemy. Also starring Donald Sinden as Lockhart, John Stratton as Ferraby, young Indiana Jones's Denholm Elliott as Morell, Zulu's Stanley Baker as Bennett, John Warner as Baker, Bruce Seton as Tallow, Liam Redmond as Watts, Virginia McKenna as Julie Hallam, Glyn Houston as Phillips and Alec McCowen as Tonbridge. I will admit I didn't pay full attention to everything going on, but what I did see, i.e. the performances and war moments, were worth watching. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Writing, Screenplay, and it was nominated the BAFTAs for Best British Film and Best Film from any Source. It was number 41 on The 100 Greatest War Films. Good!
Review of The Cruel Sea
