The Silent Enemy (1958)

In the Mediterranean in 1941 the Italians start using underwater chariots to mine the undersides of allied ships. Explosives expert Lionel Crabbe arrives in Gibralter to organise defences, ... See full summary »

Director:

William Fairchild

Writers:

Marshall Pugh (book), William Fairchild (screenplay)

Stars:

Laurence Harvey, Dawn Addams, Michael Craig

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Laurence Harvey	...	Lieutenant Crabb, R.N.V.R.
Dawn Addams	...	Third Officer Jill Masters, W.R.N.S.
Michael Craig	...	Leading Seaman Sid Knowles
John Clements	...	The Admiral
Sid James	...	Chief Petty Officer Thorpe (as Sidney James)
Alec McCowen	...	Able Seaman Morgan
Nigel Stock	...	Able Seaman Fraser
Ian Whittaker	...	Ordinary Seaman Thomas
Arnoldo Foà	...	Tomolino (as Arnoldo Foa)
Gianna Maria Canale	...	Conchita
Massimo Serato	...	Forzellini
Giacomo Rossi-Stuart	...	Rosati
Carlo Giustini	...	Fellini (as Carlo Justini)
Raymond Young	...	Celloni
David Lodge	...	Sergeant

Storyline

In the Mediterranean in 1941 the Italians start using underwater chariots to mine the undersides of allied ships. Explosives expert Lionel Crabbe arrives in Gibralter to organise defences, but finds only two British divers available to help him. Even more worrying, it seems likely that the Italians are secretly using neutral Spain across the bay as their key base.

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Plot Keywords:

italian | diver | world war two | royal navy | mini submarine | 

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Genres:

Action | Biography | History | War

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 March 1958 (UK)

Also Known As:

Silent Enemy

Filming Locations:

Gibraltar

Company Credits

Production Co:

Romulus Films, Remus

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to the book "A Biography Of Sid James", James was offered the role of Chief Petty Officer Thorpe on the recommendation of his friend Laurence Harvey, but their friendship ended during the filming. He found Harvey to be "pompous and full of his own importance". It's said that the two never spoke to each other again after filming had ended.

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Goofs

During the first night of operations five merchant ships are blown up and a tanker set ablaze. The following morning Crabb and Thorpe talk of three ships sunk and the rest saved.

User Reviews

Tribute to Lieut. Lionel Crabbe

They don't make them like this anymore. Rousing drama action based on the real life exploits of British Navy Lieutenant Lionel Crabbe and his contributions to underwater demolition work during World War II and later on in salvaging operations.

World War II history buffs will appreciate the military technology depicted in this film and the impact it caused to Allied as well as Axis shipping.

Exciting underwater action combined with a decent cast and good dialogue contribute to the suspense.