UNDER TEN FLAGS is a deeply interesting Italian WW2 picture exploring naval combat in and around the Indian Ocean. It's notable insofar as not all of the Germans are presented as Nazis rabid for death and destruction, although they certainly are present in the cast. Instead, Van Heflin is cast well against type as the German captain of a warship who displays sympathy and courage in his dealings with the enemy; the one 'good German', perhaps.
Films which present characters in shades of grey such as this rather than stark black and white always work better on a realistic level, and UNDER TEN FLAGS is well worth a look as a result. This is less an action picture than one exploring the morals of the situation and the effects of war on each of the opposing sides. There are some fine moments of dilemma and peril, and good twists to boot.
For an Italian production, it has a remarkably international cast, with Charles Laughton fitting naturally into the part of the British admiral absolutely determined to bring down the German destroyer. Cecil Parker also gets his teeth into one of those meaty little roles that he always excelled as. UNDER TEN FLAGS is well worth a look for those who think they've seen all the WW2 movies under the Sun.
Films which present characters in shades of grey such as this rather than stark black and white always work better on a realistic level, and UNDER TEN FLAGS is well worth a look as a result. This is less an action picture than one exploring the morals of the situation and the effects of war on each of the opposing sides. There are some fine moments of dilemma and peril, and good twists to boot.
For an Italian production, it has a remarkably international cast, with Charles Laughton fitting naturally into the part of the British admiral absolutely determined to bring down the German destroyer. Cecil Parker also gets his teeth into one of those meaty little roles that he always excelled as. UNDER TEN FLAGS is well worth a look for those who think they've seen all the WW2 movies under the Sun.