The Enemy Below (1957)

During World War II, an American destroyer meets a German U-Boat. Both captains are good ones, and the engagement lasts for a considerable time.

Director:

Dick Powell

Writers:

Wendell Mayes (screenplay), D.A. Rayner (novel)

Stars:

Robert Mitchum, Curd Jürgens, David Hedison

Won 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Robert Mitchum	...	Capt. Murrell
Curd Jürgens	...	Von Stolberg (as Curt Jurgens)
David Hedison	...	Lt. Ware (as Al Hedison)
Theodore Bikel	...	'Heinie' Schwaffer
Russell Collins	...	Doctor
Kurt Kreuger	...	Von Holem
Frank Albertson	...	Lt. Crain
Biff Elliot	...	Quartermaster

Storyline

During World War II, the USS Haynes, an American destroyer escort discovers a German U-boat in the South Atlantic. A deadly duel between the two ships ensues, and Captain Murrell must draw upon all his experience to defeat the equally experienced German commander.

---

Plot Keywords:

u boat | destroyer | duel | south atlantic | ship | 

---

Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Thriller | War

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 January 1958 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Torpilles sous l'atlantique

Filming Locations:

Hawaii, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie represents one of a select group of a few World War II submarine movies which have won the one single Academy Award in a technical category, that's just only the one Oscar in either special effects or sound editing. These movies include Crash Dive; The Enemy Below; Torpedo Run and U-571. The non-WW II sub-movie, The Hunt for Red October also won just the one Oscar as did the WW 2 part sub-movie 49th Parallel, but for Best Original Story.

---

Goofs

In the card game scene Lt. Ware's body position shifts wildly throughout the bidding dialog - at first sitting upright and slightly hunched over the card table, then slouching to his left with his left arm on the table, then sitting far back in the chair, and finally slouching to his left with chin in hand.

---

Quotes

Kunz: [salutes Von Stolberg for the order] Jahwol, Herr Kapitan.
Von Stolberg: That boy needs to learn we do not salute at sea.

---

Connections

Referenced in Star Trek: Balance of Terror (1966)

---

Soundtracks

"So leben wir alle Tage"
Traditional German folksong sung to the tune of the "Dessauer Marsch"
English lyrics written specially for The Enemy Below
Sung by the crew of the u-boat

User Reviews

A pleasant surprise.

A US Destroyer plays a deadly game of cat and mouse with a German U-Boat in the South Atlantic during World War Two.

Despite this film getting fairly regular screenings on UK TV over the years, I saw it for the first time in its entirity over the weekend. Considering the era in which it was made, I was pleasantly surprised by its straightforward story and solid production. Rather than have some superfluous romantic sub-plot dragging it down, it instead concentrates on the professionalism of those involved on both sides. Robert Mitchum and Curt Jurgens portray the opposing Captains impressively as men who take no pleasure in the prospect of killing, but carry out their jobs to the best of their considerable abilities. The supporting cast include Theodore Bikel, David Hedison and a very young looking Doug McClure.

A combination of good technical credits, sure handed direction, good acting and a sympathetic depiction of the German crew ensure that the film holds up very well today. It may not be 'Das Boot' but its certainly entertaining.