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IMDbPro

Desert Patrol

Original title: Sea of Sand
  • 19581958
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 18m
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
Desert Patrol (1958)
ActionDramaWar
Sent to destroy a Nazi petrol dump in the North African desert, a British commando team unexpectedly discovers a large Nazi tank unit, and must inform headquarters in time.Sent to destroy a Nazi petrol dump in the North African desert, a British commando team unexpectedly discovers a large Nazi tank unit, and must inform headquarters in time.Sent to destroy a Nazi petrol dump in the North African desert, a British commando team unexpectedly discovers a large Nazi tank unit, and must inform headquarters in time.
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Guy Green
  • Writers
    • Robert Westerby(screenplay)
    • Sean Fielding(original story)
  • Stars
    • Richard Attenborough
    • John Gregson
    • Michael Craig
  • Director
    • Guy Green
  • Writers
    • Robert Westerby(screenplay)
    • Sean Fielding(original story)
  • Stars
    • Richard Attenborough
    • John Gregson
    • Michael Craig
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 15User reviews
    • 8Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 3 BAFTA Awards
      • 3 nominations total

    Photos15

    John Gregson in Desert Patrol (1958)
    Richard Attenborough and Percy Herbert in Desert Patrol (1958)
    Richard Attenborough, Michael Craig, and Andrew Faulds in Desert Patrol (1958)
    John Gregson in Desert Patrol (1958)
    Desert Patrol (1958)
    Desert Patrol (1958)
    Desert Patrol (1958)
    Desert Patrol (1958)
    Desert Patrol (1958)
    Desert Patrol (1958)
    Desert Patrol (1958)
    Desert Patrol (1958)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Richard Attenborough
    Richard Attenborough
    • Brody
    John Gregson
    John Gregson
    • Capt. Williams
    Michael Craig
    Michael Craig
    • Capt. Cotton
    Vincent Ball
    Vincent Ball
    • Sgt. Nesbitt
    Percy Herbert
    Percy Herbert
    • White
    Barry Foster
    Barry Foster
    • Cpl. Matheson
    George Murcell
    George Murcell
    • Cpl. Simms
    Andrew Faulds
    Andrew Faulds
    • Sgt. Parker
    Ray McAnally
    Ray McAnally
    • Sgt. Hardy
    Harold Goodwin
    Harold Goodwin
    • Road Watch
    Tony Thawnton
    Tony Thawnton
    • Capt. Tom
    Wolf Frees
    Wolf Frees
    • German Sergeant
    George Mikell
    • German Officer
    Martin Benson
    Martin Benson
    • German Half-track Officer
    • (uncredited)
    Joe Wadham
    • Soldier
    • (uncredited)
    Dermot Walsh
    Dermot Walsh
    • Commanding Officer
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Guy Green
    • Writers
      • Robert Westerby(screenplay)
      • Sean Fielding(original story)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The use of a wide variety of uniforms and cap badges in this movie is accurate, all of the men in the unit volunteered, and all used the uniforms they brought with them from their original units.
    • Goofs
      There are a number of Sten sub machine guns in the film and at one point Captain Cotton shouts 'everyone grab your Stens'. Although the Sten gun was available at the time it was never used by the LRDG. They preferred the American pre-war Thompson sub machine gun which they carried throughout the war.
    • Quotes

      Capt. Cotton: [to his squad after returning and defeating a German patrol] You'd all be standing there with guns in your belllies if I hadn't shot them.

    • Connections
      Featured in Remembering John Gregson (2019)
    • Soundtracks
      Greensleeves
      (uncredited)

      Traditional

      Heard on radio

    User reviews15

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    7/10
    Why Don't They Leave Us Alone -
    I am very prejudiced here as my Dad served out in the Western Desert with his courageous RNF comrades under such harsh conditions that few today can even begin to understand. I cannot speak for my Dad but I firmly believe that he would have liked much of this film (so that's why I like it for starters) whilst being very polite about its failings with his wry grin and a knowing glint in the eye. Its strengths are good characters who all play their parts in a story that does have you willing them on and on in their battle against the Nazi baddies, the unforgiving Sun and the relentless sand. Richard Attenborough is particularly excellent throughout, as is Percy Herbert when playing a solo part in one of the Fifties greatest short war scenes. If all directors were made to study this scene they could learn much, but what do I know! Thank goodness the film is still shown in black and white and this should always remain so. I liked this film so I say to all old fogeys and inquisitive but sensible youngsters just give it a watch and enjoy the film for what it is. The LRDG were incredibly brave men.
    helpful•17
    0
    • pacare
    • Feb 11, 2014

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 8, 1961 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Languages
      • French
      • English
      • German
    • Also known as
      • Die schwarzen Teufel von El Alamein
    • Filming locations
      • Tripolitania, Libya(this film was made entirely in)
    • Production company
      • Tempean Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 18 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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