Inspired by a true story, the film follows a group of ten 'canoe-commandos' who are taken, by sub-marine, close to the French coast. They must make a highly dangerous journey through 70 miles of enemy waters to destroy giant German battleships.

viewer's comments

-Little known Part of WWII History
This is an excellent movie that depicts a little known part of WWII history and well acted with a good story line. Jose Ferrar did an excellent job of acting and directing this movie and I am trying to locate a VHS (North American) Copy to add to my library.


- ' Keep The Line Straight, Boys!'
These were the last words spoken by Captain Thompson to his men before their execution by a German firing-squad..

Trevor Howard (1916-88) played captain Thompson a devoted Officer and a Gentleman..never afraid to die for his country with his brave 'boys'..Howard was a great 'character' actor with a big presence on the silver screen in many good films as "Mutiny On the Bounty" (62), "Ryan Daughter" (70) and "Gandhi"(82)..

The motion picture dealt with the 'crazy' mission of l0 British Royal Marines, who after embarking a submarine from the English Channel port of Portsmouth traveled by flimsy canoe into Bordeaux harbor, southern France on the Garonne River, blowing enemy ships by attach limpet-mines..

Directed and starred by Jose Ferrer (1909-92) star of "Cyrano de Bergerac" (50) and "Moulin Rouge" (52) and photographed in CinemaScope and Technicolor..the film succeeded in reflecting the brave deed of the English Commando and was somewhat exciting and tense in its depiction of the hazardous journey into enemy territory in World War II.


- Enjoyable film true story history.
Excellent account of the ten "canoe commandoes" story, who faced fantastic hazards to complete their mission. But only two survivors returned. Good cast of players, specifically Trevor Howard and Anthony Newley, (pre "Stop the World" fame and before his big film break in "Idle On Parade"). Made by Broccoli who later churned out the impressive James Bond films. This is one for the Sunday afternoon thrill!

Director: José Ferrer
Writers: Bryan Forbes (screenplay), George Kent

Cast overview, first billed only:
José Ferrer ... Major Stringer (as Jose Ferrer)
Trevor Howard ... Captain Thompson
Dora Bryan ... Myrtie
Victor Maddern ... Sgt. Craig
Anthony Newley ... Marine Clarke
David Lodge ... Marine Ruddock
Peter Arne ... Marine Stevens
Percy Herbert ... Marine Lomas
Graham Stewart ... Marine Booth
John Fabian ... Marine Cooney
John Van Eyssen ... Marine Bradley
Robert Desmond ... Marine Todd
Walter Fitzgerald ... Gestapo Comdt.
Karel Stepanek ... Assistant Gestapo Officer
Beatrice Campbell ... Mrs. Ruddock

Country:UK
Language:English | French (some dialogue) | German (only a few words)
Release Date:27 March 1956 (USA)
Also Known As:Cockle Shell Heroes
Filming Locations:Eastney Barracks, Southsea, Hampshire, England, UK
Runtime:USA: 97 min
Sound Mix:4-Track Stereo (Western Electric Recording)
Color:Color (Technicolor)