But I don't think this is a fault. Perhaps that was the way of it then, and perhaps I am missing the point. Don't let that minor criticism put you off: at the end of the day this is a cracking good hour and a half vessel of entertainment even if the characters might be a little wet at times.

I've learned that one of the reasons it was a bit wooden in parts was due to the constraint upon film production in the war years - film stock was hard to get hold off due to the silver nitrates being needed elsewhere so it was do a take and hope for the best - none of your modern do it on beta over and over until the final take on actual film stock. It is also interesting as a wartime film for the subtle underplayed propaganda element - such as the Norwegian seamen helping them in the town etc.

4 STARS OUT OF 5

Trivia:

• Ages of the stars at the time of the making of the film:
  - John Mills, 34
  - Eric Portman, 39

Filming locations included:

Gaumont-British Studios, Lime Grove, Shepherd's Bush, London, England

CAST LIST:

In credits order