The Cruel Sea
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Cruel Sea HD Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2011-06-11
Top Cast
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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
Moira Lister
Elaine Morell
Alec McCowen
Tonbridge
Release History & Theatrical Window
February 24, 1953
Wide Cinema Exhibition
June 13, 2011
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Charles Frend
- Screenplay & Story
- Eric Ambler
- Original Score
- Alan Rawsthorne
- Original Title
- The Cruel Sea
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 6m
- Production Studios
- Ealing Studios, Michael Balcon Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Charles Frend
Eric Ambler, Nicholas Monsarrat
Alan Rawsthorne
Gordon Dines, John R.F. Stewart
Peter Tanner
Leslie Norman
Department Leadership Roster
Eric Ambler
Screenplay
Charles Frend
Director
Peter Tanner
Editor
Leslie Norman
Producer
Gordon Dines
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Cruel Sea.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cruel Sea
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
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 seldom able to strike back. Traumatic events afloat and ashore create a warm bond between the skipper and his first officer.
Who directed The Cruel Sea?
The Cruel Sea was directed by Charles Frend.
Who stars in The Cruel Sea?
The principal cast of The Cruel Sea includes Jack Hawkins, Donald Sinden, Denholm Elliott, John Stratton, Stanley Baker.
When was The Cruel Sea released and how long is it?
The Cruel Sea was released in 1953 with a total runtime of 2h 6m.
Who composed the musical score for The Cruel Sea?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Cruel Sea was composed by Alan Rawsthorne.
Is The Cruel Sea based on a book or true story?
The Cruel Sea is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Nicholas Monsarrat".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Cruel Sea?
The Cruel Sea holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.); US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).