The Desert Rats
Seen it?1953 | 88 min | War, Action
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for action fans and history buffs. If you loved Dunkirk or Greyhound, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 28 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1953: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In North Africa, German Field Marshal Rommel and his troops have successfully fended off British forces, and now intend to take Tobruk, an important port city. A ramshackle group of Australian reinforcements sent to combat the Germans is put under the command of British Captain MacRoberts. The unruly Aussies immediately clash with MacRoberts, a gruff, strict disciplinarian, however this unorthodox team must band together to protect Tobruk from the German forces.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.3 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$1 million worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 31K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Robert Wise
- Richard BurtonCaptain "Tammy" MacRoberts
- James MasonField Marshal Erwin von Rommel
- Robert NewtonTom Bartlett
- Robert DouglasGeneral
- Torin ThatcherCol. Barney White
- Chips RaffertySgt. "Blue" Smith
- Charles TingwellLt. Harry Carstairs
- Charles DavisPete
- Ben WrightMick
- Patrick AherneEnglish Officer (uncredited)