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Poster for The Cruel Sea

The Cruel Sea

Seen it?

1953 | 126 min | Drama, History, War

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office flop. 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 The Caine Mutiny, start here.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 6 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1953: an older pace and style.

At the start of World War II, Cmdr. Ericson is assigned to convoy escort HMS Compass Rose with inexperienced officers and men just out of training. The winter seas make life miserable enough, but the men must also harden themselves to rescuing survivors of U-Boat attacks, while seldom able to strike back. Traumatic events afloat and ashore create a warm bond between the skipper and his first officer.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $840K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 48K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Charles Frend

  • Jack HawkinsEricson
  • Donald SindenLockhart
  • Denholm ElliottMorell
  • John StrattonFerraby
  • Stanley BakerBennett
  • Liam RedmondWatts
  • Meredith EdwardsYeoman Wells
  • Bruce SetonTallow
  • John WarnerBaker
  • Barry LettsRaikes