When I first saw this film, I was still a school boy and the title was DAMN the DEFIANT! Of course I didn't realize how close the action fit to actual history. The battleships were beautiful and the battles they fought were loud and exciting. I now realize and understand the dislike shared between Captain Crawford (Alec Guinness) and Lieutenant Scott-Padget played by Dirk Bogarde. At that young age, the two things I remembered the most was the scene where sailors were given maggot infested bread to eat and the 'cod pieces' the officers wore.
Other notable performances were turned in by Nigel Stock, Peter Gill, Anthony Quayle and Maurice Denham. This will always remain a colorful and exciting sea drama.
Other notable performances were turned in by Nigel Stock, Peter Gill, Anthony Quayle and Maurice Denham. This will always remain a colorful and exciting sea drama.