This is one of the best submarine movies, a stunning drama about a Second World War German U-boat and the US destroyer that's stalking it, whose captains only meet in the final reel. As the respective skippers, Curt Jurgens and, particularly, Robert Mitchum turn in fine performances. The special effects won an Oscar, but it is the direction by former crooner Dick Powell that is really remarkable - his taut handling of the action makes this one of his finest movie achievements. The film was actually based on a real story, written into novel form by wartime Anti-Submarine Group commander DA Rayner.

The crew of the American destroyer escort, the USS Haynes, detects a German U-Boat—resulting in a prolonged, deadly battle of wits.