Movie · 1953
The Cruel Sea
Released 24 February 1953 126 min Drama / History / War More from 1953 → IMDb ↗ · Letterboxd ↗ · TMDB ↗
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.
FR·01
How old were they?
Gerard Heinz
as Polish Captain
Alan Webb
as Admiral Murray-Forbes (uncredited)
Andrew Cruickshank
as Scott Brown
Bruce Seton
as Tallow
Jack Hawkins
as Ericson
Fred Griffiths
as Gracey
Liam Redmond
as Watts
Meredith Edwards
as Yeoman Wells
Megs Jenkins
as Tallow's Sister
Denholm Elliott
as Morell
Richard Leech
as Sailor (uncredited)
Donald Sinden
as Lockhart
John Warner
as Baker
Moira Lister
as Elaine Morell
John Stratton
as Ferraby
Barry Letts
as Raikes
Glyn Houston
as Phillips
Stanley Baker
as Bennett
Virginia McKenna
as Julie Hallam
FR·02
The numbers
28years between the oldest and youngest billed
49Gerard Heinz — oldest on the call sheet
21Virginia McKenna — youngest billed
34average age of the credited cast