The Cruel Sea_
At the start of World War II, Cmdr. Ericson is assigned to convoy escort HMS Compass Rose with inexperienced officers and men just out of training. The winter seas make life miserable enough, but the men must also harden themselves to rescuing survivors of U-Boat attacks, while seldom able to strike back. Traumatic events afloat and ashore create a warm bond between the skipper and his first officer
Starring
Jack Hawkins, Donald Sinden, Denholm Elliott
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
Netflix
7 countries
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Year context
The Cruel Sea was released 73 years ago in 1953.
Overview
At the start of World War II, Cmdr. Ericson is assigned to convoy escort HMS Compass Rose with inexperienced officers and men just out of training. The winte...
The Cruel Sea is a Drama, History, War film with a runtime of 2h 6m.
CAST (20)
Jack Hawkins
Ericson
Donald Sinden
Lockhart
Denholm Elliott
Morell
John Stratton
Ferraby
Stanley Baker
Bennett
Liam Redmond
Watts
Meredith Edwards
Yeoman Wells
Bruce Seton
Tallow
John Warner
Baker
Barry Letts
Raikes
Gerard Heinz
Polish Captain
Fred Griffiths
Gracey
Glyn Houston
Phillips
Virginia McKenna
Julie Hallam
Megs Jenkins
Tallow's Sister
June Thorburn
Doris Ferraby
Moira Lister
Elaine Morell
Alec McCowen
Tonbridge
LP
Leo Phillips
Wainwright
DH
Dafydd Havard
Signalman Rose
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
126 min (2h 6m)
Language
English
Country
Rating
6.9/10 (78 votes)
Popularity
1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is The Cruel Sea about?
At the start of World War II, Cmdr. Ericson is assigned to convoy escort HMS Compass Rose with inexperienced officers and men just out of training. The winter seas make life miserable enough, but the men must also harden themselves to rescuing survivors of U-Boat attacks, while seldom able to strike back. Traumatic events afloat and ashore create a warm bond between the skipper and his first officer
How long is The Cruel Sea?
The Cruel Sea has a runtime of 126 minutes (2h 6m).
Who stars in The Cruel Sea?
The cast of The Cruel Sea includes Jack Hawkins, Donald Sinden, Denholm Elliott, John Stratton, Stanley Baker.
What is the rating of The Cruel Sea?
The Cruel Sea has a rating of 6.9 out of 10 based on 78 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (3)
Drama
History
War