The Ship That Died Of Shame

This UK crime drama from 1955 was actually made at the old Wembley Studios. Based on a novel by Nicholas Monsarrat (best known for 'The Cruel Sea) and the sea obviously is heavily featured here. In celebration of Richard Attenborough’s centenary, THE CRUEL SEA has been restored and is available on Blu-ray. When, after the end of WW2, a war veteran persuades his skipper to use their old naval ship for a bit of smuggling, things soon spin out of control!

The ship in question is the 1087 - a little Royal Navy Gunboat - at the commencement of the film we go back a little ways and witness the ship in action and achieving spectacular results of braveness and daring do. This, of course, could not have been achieved without its courageous crew namely Captain Bill Randall 'a damn good bloke a no mistake' a young George Baker, George Hoskins 'his right hand' a slightly spivvy Richard Attenborough (you can see the writing on the wall) and good old Birdy - a salt of the earth fellah (at one time representative of the typical 'English' working class man). On returning to port Bill is delighted to see his anxious new young wife (Virginia McKenna) waiting for him on Quay. They promptly drive off to the little cottage (given to them by the Navy?) it is somewhat cut off and 'she' (Name) informs Bill that she is a lousy cook (you'd think this may been discussed before) - we see them in bed the next morning sharing a cigarette (oh, how romantic). Somehow there is an air of sadness permeating the scene. When Bill returns from the next courageous mission he finds the cottage in ruins after being hit by a bomb and his wife dead in the kitchen (McKenna was nevertheless 4th billed above the title). The war is now practically ended and a somewhat saddened Bill just happens to meet George Hoskins 'cap and millitary Blazer - don'cha know' in a local bar. George - an eternal happy go lucky optimist - but very dissimilar to the staunch - oh, so very honest Bill - has a great idea. The old 1087 is moored nearby and is in a state of disrepair - they can buy it for a veritable song, patch it up and use it. Use it for what? ...well, er to make trips across the channel and bring back 'things' from Europe to sell on the black market in the UK. I mean it's not really that bad is it? Giving people what they need; what with the rationing situation and all? This nevertheless amounts to illegal smuggling and what they are doing is totally (and still is) against the law – these days they'd probably be bringing illegal migrants in which indeed they eventually do in a way. They have their lights totally dimmed to avoid detection from customs boats. Nevertheless they are apprehended - but Bill comes up with a clever ruse to get out of a tricky situation. It must be said the kind of 'contraband' they are initially bringing is, in fact, 'what people need'. And things are going quite well until they are apprehended by a 'pirate' ship who attempt to steal all of their contraband. However, these 'pirates' have picked on the wrong team - it should be mentioned that Bill and George have also enlisted the plucky little Birdy. The three have no trouble fending these pirates off who are forced to do a runner - but not before George recognises a familiar face on the pirate ship - that of passed over Major Fordyce (Roland Culver). No sooner are they back in dear old Blighty than George tracks down the Major (in truth, a desperate man, who should not be taken for granted). By now the spiv side of George's character is starting to emerge ever more and he does a deal with the unscrupulous Fordyce. The kind of stuff or 'things' they will be smuggling back into the country will have extreme danger written all over them and now we are talking serious crime and big money stakes. George is, of course, quite happy about this. Does he see in Fordyce a kindred spirit? We know that Bill and Birdie - decent sorts that they are - not going to be happy about this turn of events. Things are about to get very hot indeed. Attenborough is fine as the slippery George - a good part for him. George Baker in a early part has not such a dimensional role to play as the rather bland and rather boring Bill (Baker was actually quite versatile and could have played Dicky's part - but George was being groomed as the handsome leading man) and Bill Owen was always solid support. Needless to it being 1955 - the bad guys get what's coming to 'em and the good guys are okay. Warning: You may get seasick. Another sterling Ealing effort - they will NEVER make films like this again. With a team like this 'on board' and a script by the director, Michael Relph and playwright John Whiting you know that there can be little chance of this film sinking.

Bonus material includes: new interview with author/professor of film Neil Sinyard, plus ‘Behind the Scenes’ stills gallery.