Capt. Murrell (Robert Mitchum) is new to the American destroyer escort USS Haynes. The crew is spreading rumors that the man is weak and sea sick. He soon shows his experience when the ship encounters a German U-Boat captained by Von Stolberg (Curd Jürgens). It's a prolong battle of wits in the Altantic.
The movie is a bit too static in between the explosive action. The tension and the editing style is still old fashion. The scenes run a bit too long. The U-boat is a bit too roomy. It doesn't have quite the claustrophobic feel that other great U-boat movies like Das Boot. The most intriguing aspect is the human portrayal of the German captain. He's not the usual cartoon villain for that era. The use of a real destroyer and explosives are compelling. This is a great strategic-battle movie that inspires many others.
The movie is a bit too static in between the explosive action. The tension and the editing style is still old fashion. The scenes run a bit too long. The U-boat is a bit too roomy. It doesn't have quite the claustrophobic feel that other great U-boat movies like Das Boot. The most intriguing aspect is the human portrayal of the German captain. He's not the usual cartoon villain for that era. The use of a real destroyer and explosives are compelling. This is a great strategic-battle movie that inspires many others.