The Enemy Below
Seen it?1957 | 97 min | War
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Greyhound or Operation Petticoat, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 37 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1957: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
The crew of the American destroyer escort, the USS Haynes, detects a German U-Boat—resulting in a prolonged, deadly battle of wits.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Oscar: Best Special Effects. Plus 1 other award.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 56K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Greyhound Saturday SpecialAnother war story, and a Saturday Special.
Midway
Weeknight WatchAlso stars Robert Mitchum, in another war film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
U-571
Sunday Safe BetAnother war story, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Operation Petticoat Saturday SpecialAnother war story that's easy to miss.
Valkyrie Sunday Safe BetAnother war story, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Dick Powell
- Robert MitchumCapt. Murrell
- Curd JürgensKapitän von Stolberg
- David HedisonLt. Ware
- Theodore BikelHeinie Schwaffer
- Russell CollinsDoctor
- Kurt KreugerVon Holem (uncredited)
- Frank AlbertsonLt. J.G. Crain
- Biff ElliotQuartermaster
- Michael McHaleGerman Soldier
- Alan DexterLt. Mackeson (uncredited)