When you watch THE SHIP THAT DIED OF SHAME, it brings a realisation to you. British cinema after the war was searching for the post war grounding. By that I mean, what, if anything, was the war for and what did it mean to this country in the ashes after. Based on a short story by Nicholas Monsarrat (author of The Cruel Sea), what you find here is that question answered in the root of human desire. After rationing (which was still ongoing at this point), there was a drive to have and to want. Basil Dearden, was not unfamiliar with this. He explored it similarly with THE BLUE LAMP (Youth crime and desire), POOL OF LONDON (Immigration and desire) and of course here. Some under value Dearden, seeing his work as pedestrian. But I would declare that for a person from these isle, they are like a document of our condition of that age and somewhat now.

The high seas during the Second World War were tough enough for any gun boat crew but for the crew of boat 1087, it was impossible. Lost loved ones, wounded crew and the end of its all led to a bleak aftermath of debt and disillusionment. When three of the veterans decide to run some gin, rum and other goods in a smuggling campaign across the English Channel to make ends meet, some would say why not. When they decide to use their old navy boat they once called home, some would say madness.

The good thing about this production is that solitary extra and the stand up transfer, that though average, still allows most of the film to look great. There are issue at the start, with the same DVD problem of not being able to fully and clearly see what is going on, but its momentary now and out weighed by quality. Sinyard is give a little bit of time to discuss this film, Dearden and the casts assorted workings. Its not a masterwork from him but it achieves his goal.

Product Features

• Interview with Author/Professor of Film Neil Sinyard
• Behind the scenes stills gallery