Wendy Hiller is a name that always warrants an excellent film, and this was even made by Roy Boulting who along with his brother also always warranted excellent films. On top of that, this is a true story. Wendy Hiller only appears in the beginning, but her impact remains throughout the film, and you feel her presence more than ever in the end. Of course, this is Jeffrey Hunter's film in his first great part, but he would make some more rather unforgettable parts dominating entire films, like Nicholas Ray's "King of Kings" where he plays Jesus, and one of the best, and in "No Man is an Island" as the last American soldier of Guam, but he lived only to 46. Michael Rennie is the other great male part here, as gentlemanly and sympathetic as ever, while Bernard Lee loses his leg and ends up a casualty - nevertheless he would always return. The film is excellent and more realistic than most naval war films, while Peter van Eyck makes the German captain - all the Germans speak perfect German. It's a great story and a great film, and no wonder it became the favourite of many.
Review of Sailor of the King
