The Cruel Sea tells the story of a Royal Navy (UK) ship, Compass Rose, escorting convoys of freight ships across the Atlantic during World War II. It is a crucial and dangerous mission to supply allies while sailing through Nazi U-boat infested waters. But the U-boats are not the only danger. Rather, it is the Atlantic Ocean weather which can bring fury and death to those who sail upon her. Most importantly, The Cruel Sea tells of the men of the Compass Rose who must risk their lives to battle against tyranny. Sadly, it is a never ending battle. Enjoy and remember.
Movie Length.
GBOT Review: Story - Excellent. Reading Performance - Excellent.
Nicholas Monsarrat (1910-1979) served in the Royal Navy during WWII, eventually becoming a ship commander. He used these experiences to write a number of his books while his experience working in the diplomatic service helped him write others including The Tribe That Lost Its Head. Seven of the 30+ books he wrote, including The Cruel Sea, were made into films or TV movies. The TV movie HMS Marlborough Will Enter Port was narrated by Ronald Reagan.
Robert Powell (1944 - ?) is a British actor who began his career in 1964 and continues to this day with Banking on Mr. Toad in pre production (2022). Mr. Powell has risen from playing an uncredited extra to playing the title character in the 1977 Jesus of Nazareth miniseries (which is quite good). Older listeners may remember him for his roles in Shaka Zulu, and The Who's rock opera Tommy, which is about a deaf, dumb, and blind kid who plays a mean pinball.
