The film is based on a novel by New Zealand author, Zelma Roberts, whose husband died during the Second World War. She also co-wrote the script with the director, T. O. McCreadie.
I enjoyed the film - it has some great moments and some not so great. It has a very documentary feel. At its release in 1948 it didn't get the best reviews and only ran in the cinemas for two weeks (Wikipedia). But I am trying not to judge it with 2022 eyes.
The very long scenes of their training at the Flinders Naval Depot (HMAS Cerberus) in Victoria shows wonderful historical footage of life in the Navy then - but has little to do with building the story and may have bored the audience. Navy provided a lot of assistance so I am sure they wanted their money's worth.
The model scenes pass quickly - thank goodness. The Japanese Officers on the warship looked ancient. Perhaps they were the only Japanese actors available.
The ending was quite moving - Queenie Ashton brought those scenes to life. Bud Tingwell and Gus Doleman both acted well.
The war had been over for three years when it was released, families had lost loved ones, perhaps this film was meant to convey a message that life moves on. 'Always Another Dawn', is well worth watching.
The film crew's payroll was stolen whilst shooting on HMAS Bataan in Port Philip Bay (The Mail, Adelaide 17/5/47).