I really loved this film. It brought the realities of the war, the fear, the constant loss of life, right to the fore. The photography was excellent and mission realistic. As an historical piece, it was excellent and riveting.
William Holden's character evolution of fear, to commanding the ship outings with strength and purpose, was a revelation. HIs acting was superb, and showed a man showing up with strength for his men, while battling insecurity (and 10 years not having been on the sea) inside.
The romance/relationship part was riveting in a different way. The trauma of women left behind. The danger of the tug men capable of losing their lives every mission. The hope and hopelessness counterbalancing each other.
There were two endings to the movie, one for America and one for Europe. I saw the Europe one, and I can't find the American one. In either case, you won't be able to get this ending, and it keeps the suspense of the tug mission and the romance/relationship intertwined.
In many ways the movie succeeds with excellent filmography, tremendous performance with Trevor, William Holden and an understated Sophia Loren.
This must be rediscovered - a treasure historically, photography on the sea/war, and in acting performance by all three. Very well done.
William Holden's character evolution of fear, to commanding the ship outings with strength and purpose, was a revelation. HIs acting was superb, and showed a man showing up with strength for his men, while battling insecurity (and 10 years not having been on the sea) inside.
The romance/relationship part was riveting in a different way. The trauma of women left behind. The danger of the tug men capable of losing their lives every mission. The hope and hopelessness counterbalancing each other.
There were two endings to the movie, one for America and one for Europe. I saw the Europe one, and I can't find the American one. In either case, you won't be able to get this ending, and it keeps the suspense of the tug mission and the romance/relationship intertwined.
In many ways the movie succeeds with excellent filmography, tremendous performance with Trevor, William Holden and an understated Sophia Loren.
This must be rediscovered - a treasure historically, photography on the sea/war, and in acting performance by all three. Very well done.