This has to be one of my favourite wartime adventures that really quite powerfully illustrates not only the perils of those sailing the Atlantic during the Second World War but the courage of the ordinary folks drafted in to man these tiny ships at the mercy of the weather and the U-boats. "Ericson" (Jack Hawkins) has been put in command of an convoy escort that's staffed by a rather obnoxious former used-car…
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.
Top Cast
Jack Hawkins
Ericson
Donald Sinden
Lockhart
Denholm Elliott
Morell
John Stratton
Ferraby
Stanley Baker
Bennett
Liam Redmond
Watts
Meredith Edwards
Yeoman Wells
Bruce Seton
Tallow
John Warner
Baker
Barry Letts
Raikes
Gerard Heinz
Polish Captain
Fred Griffiths
Gracey
Glyn Houston
Phillips
Virginia McKenna
Julie Hallam
Megs Jenkins
Tallow's Sister
June Thorburn
Doris Ferraby
Reviews
FAQ about The Cruel Sea
What is The Cruel Sea about?
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…
When was The Cruel Sea released?
The Cruel Sea was released in 1953.
What genres does The Cruel Sea belong to?
The Cruel Sea is categorised as Drama, History, War.
Who stars in The Cruel Sea?
The cast of The Cruel Sea includes Jack Hawkins, Donald Sinden, Denholm Elliott, John Stratton, Stanley Baker.