This is one which has stood the test of time. The films of the late 50's often lacked realism and intensity, but this one has both in abundance. It examines the psychological war of two individuals. One is a German Uboat skipper, the other the Captain of a US destroyer out to sink the Uboat during World War II. The film is a study of the two men as their battle unfolds. There isn't a whole lot of "action" in this film, it being a bit more cerebral in nature than your usual war flick. However, the lack of action doesn't mean it isn't riveting! I think this is a film that most people will see from start to finish without hitting the "pause" button at all. Superbly acted by both Robert Mitchum and Kurt Jurgens, it is one not to be missed. There are few inaccuracies in the film and they are minor. The U-Boat's interior seems a wee bit too "roomy", the U-Boat sailors are all clean-shaven after at least a few days at sea (in fact, water was too scarce to allow shaving) and there was no rocking or rolling while the U-Boat was on the surface. One of the reasons submarines are known as "pig boats" is because they wallow like a pig on the surface. Other than those minor details, it's a great film!
Review of The Enemy Below
