A small British army team is sent to destroy a German petrol dump as part of the preparation for a major attack in the North African campaign. Whilst they are there they spot a large number of tanks and realise that army intelligence must be informed or some Tommies are going to be in for a nasty surprise. The Germans are equally determined that they should not reach their base, and a tense chase across the desert is the result.
Review:
-Sea Of Sand is a superb example of British post war films which depict the gruelling conditions endured by soldiers during the Second World War. The performances are excellent, ranging from the hard-drinking regular soldier played by Richard Attenborough to the family man from a rural community played by Percy Herbert (Blanco White) who features in the most moving scene in the film. John Gregson, as the by-the book Williams, gives an understated solid performance and his antognism with conscripted architect Michael Craig is nicely portrayed, a mutual lack of understanding which ends during the mission to destroy the fuel dump during which Gregson's character reveals a hitherto concealed talent which saves the team from a bloodbath when a truck filled with Afrika Korps arrives unexpectedly. The superb final scene, which shows Williams finally deviating from the textbook military tactics (his comrades shout "what on earth is he doing!" - or words to that effect) is both compelling and moving.
Each character is well defined and their motivations and backgrounds are more detailed than many films of the genre. Once not to be missed!
Director:Guy Green
Writer:Robert Westerby
cast:
Richard Attenborough ... Brody
John Gregson ... Capt. Bill Williams
Michael Craig ... Capt. Tim Cotton
Vincent Ball ... Sgt. Nesbitt
Percy Herbert ... 'Blanco' White
Barry Foster ... Cpl. Matheson
Andrew Faulds ... Sgt. Parker
George Murcell ... Cpl. Simms
Ray McAnally ... Sgt. Hardy
Harold Goodwin ... Road Watch
Tony Thawnton ... Capt. Tom
Wolf Frees ... German Sergeant
George Mikell ... German Officer
Country:UK
Language:English | German
Release Date:December 1961 (USA)
Filming Locations:Libya
Runtime:97 min
Sound Mix:Mono
Color:Black and White
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