Wartime Drama Double Feature Explored

Read Time:3 Minute, 38 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Sea Shall Not Have Them/Albert, R.N. (Break to Freedom)
/Approved – /

Genre: Drama, War, History
Year Released: 1954/1953
Runtime: 1h 32m/1h 29m
Director(s): Lewis Gilbert
Writer(s): Lewis Gilbert, John Harris, Vernon Harris/Edward Sammis, Guy Morgan, Vernon Harris
Cast: Jack Warner, Anthony Steel, Dirk Bogarde, Michael Redgrave
Where To Watch: available January 23, 2024; pre-order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Step aboard Kino Lorber’s “TWO BRITISH WARTIME CLASSICS DIRECTED BY LEWIS GILBERT,” plunging us into the depths of World War II. We embark on a journey through two very different yet equally impactful narratives – THE SEA SHALL NOT HAVE THEM and ALBERT R.N. (BREAK TO FREEDOM); the acclaimed Lewis Gilbert directed both films; they navigate the emotional undercurrents of war, captivating viewers with their raw portrayal of human resilience and struggle.

THE SEA SHALL NOT HAVE THEM takes us aboard a treacherous voyage on the North Sea, where we witness an intense drama unfold among four Allied servicemen stranded with sensitive documents. This film breaks away from the usual war plot, spotlighting the harrowing air-sea rescue operations. Dirk Bogarde, Michael Redgrave, and their fellow cast members effectively capture the direness of their plight, adding a layer of human vulnerability to the film. Anthony Steel and Nigel Patrick, portraying the leaders of the rescue team, bring to light the personal battles overshadowing their heroic efforts.

Despite its compelling narrative, the film's tone occasionally stumbles, specifically with the comedic elements, primarily through Milliken, the inexperienced medic, feeling out of sync with the grave atmosphere. Dirk Bogarde's portrayal, while solid, sometimes crosses into over-dramatization, affecting the story's authenticity. However, these minor hurdles don’t outweigh the film's overall achievement in highlighting the lesser-known heroes of the Air-Sea rescue service.

Transitioning to the gripping confines of a POW camp in ALBERT R.N., we encounter a different battlefield. Based on real-life events, the film showcases the ingenuity and spirit of the prisoners, particularly Lieutenant Geoffrey Ainsworth, played by Anthony Steel. His creation of the dummy "Albert" to facilitate escapes is a brilliant plot device that underscores the prisoners' unwavering resolve. ALBERT R.N. stands out for its emphasis on character development and dialogue, diverging from the traditional action-packed POW film formula. However, its slower pacing and dialogue-heavy approach might only resonate with some viewers. While the film does follow some conventional tropes of the genre, it remains a solid narrative piece, bolstered by strong performances, especially from Jack Warner as Captain Maddox.

In conclusion, these two films, presented as a double feature, offer a well-rounded and insightful portrayal of a piece of World War II. THE SEA SHALL NOT HAVE THEM captures the essence of a rarely seen side of the war despite its occasional tonal inconsistencies and overacting. ALBERT R.N. delves into the psychological nuances of life in a POW camp, anchored by commendable performances. Together, under Gilbert's skilled direction, they contribute to the war film genre, presenting unique stories of courage and survival against the backdrop of one of history's most tumultuous periods.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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