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IMDbPro

The Cruel Sea

  • 19531953
  • ApprovedApproved
  • 2h 6m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
5K
YOUR RATING
Jack Hawkins in The Cruel Sea (1953)
Home Video Extra (Clip) from Anchor Bay Entertainment
Play trailer2:17
1 Video
42 Photos
DramaWar
The World War II adventures of a British convoy escort ship and its officers.The World War II adventures of a British convoy escort ship and its officers.The World War II adventures of a British convoy escort ship and its officers.
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
5K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Charles Frend
  • Writers
    • Nicholas Monsarrat(by)
    • Eric Ambler(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Jack Hawkins
    • Donald Sinden
    • John Stratton
  • Director
    • Charles Frend
  • Writers
    • Nicholas Monsarrat(by)
    • Eric Ambler(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Jack Hawkins
    • Donald Sinden
    • John Stratton
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 75User reviews
    • 28Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 4 nominations total

    Videos1

    The Cruel Sea
    Trailer 2:17
    Watch The Cruel Sea

    Photos42

    Donald Sinden in The Cruel Sea (1953)
    The Cruel Sea (1953)
    The Cruel Sea (1953)
    The Cruel Sea (1953)
    The Cruel Sea (1953)
    The Cruel Sea (1953)
    The Cruel Sea (1953)
    Jack Hawkins in The Cruel Sea (1953)
    The Cruel Sea (1953)
    Donald Sinden in The Cruel Sea (1953)
    Donald Sinden in The Cruel Sea (1953)
    The Cruel Sea (1953)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Jack Hawkins
    Jack Hawkins
    • Ericson
    Donald Sinden
    Donald Sinden
    • Lockhart
    John Stratton
    John Stratton
    • Ferraby
    Denholm Elliott
    Denholm Elliott
    • Morell
    John Warner
    • Baker
    Stanley Baker
    Stanley Baker
    • Bennett
    Bruce Seton
    Bruce Seton
    • Tallow
    Liam Redmond
    Liam Redmond
    • Watts
    Virginia McKenna
    Virginia McKenna
    • Julie Hallam
    Moira Lister
    Moira Lister
    • Elaine Morell
    June Thorburn
    June Thorburn
    • Doris Ferraby
    Megs Jenkins
    Megs Jenkins
    • Tallow's Sister
    Meredith Edwards
    Meredith Edwards
    • Yeoman Wells
    Glyn Houston
    Glyn Houston
    • Phillips
    Alec McCowen
    Alec McCowen
    • Tonbridge
    Leo Phillips
    • Wainwright
    Dafydd Havard
    Dafydd Havard
    • Signalman Rose
    Fred Griffiths
    • Gracey
    • Director
      • Charles Frend
    • Writers
      • Nicholas Monsarrat(by)
      • Eric Ambler(screenplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Jack Hawkins wrote in his 1973 autobiography "Anything for a Quiet Life" regarding this film, "All of us in the film were sure that we were making something quite unusual, and a long way removed from the Errol Flynn-taking-Burma-single-handed syndrome. This was the period of some very indifferent American war movies, whereas 'The Cruel Sea' contained no false heroics. That is why we all felt that we were making a genuine example of the way in which a group of men went to war."
    • Goofs
      Some depth charges are clearly labelled "INERT FILLED."
    • Quotes

      Tallow: If anyone else makes a noise, I'll have his guts for a necktie.

    • Connections
      Featured in Haie und kleine Fische (1957)
    • Soundtracks
      The Chestnut Tree
      or "The Spreading Chestnut Tree" (uncredited)
      Author unknown, perhaps traditional song
      Sung by the sailors in the raft to keep awake

    User reviews75

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    Wonderful
    Almost completely unsentimental (hooray!) portrayal of the life of those aboard a British corvette, HMS Compass Rose, during the Battle of the Atlantic. Jack Hawkins magnificent as its captain. Some harrowing scenes filmed with great reserve.

    Easily the best film dealing with war at sea. Only "Das Boot" comes close.
    helpful•10
    0
    • Vilhjálmur
    • Oct 30, 2000

    FAQ4

    • What was the Battle of the Atlantic?
    • What were the tactics?
    • How did the Allies prevail?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 19, 1953 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Okrutno more
    • Filming locations
      • Her Majesty's Naval Base, Devonport, Plymouth, Devon, England, UK(Doubled for Liverpool)
    • Production companies
      • Ealing Studios
      • Michael Balcon Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 6 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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