Watch Action in the North Atlantic

Action in the North Atlantic is a classic war film set during World War II, released in 1943. The movie stars Humphrey Bogart, Raymond Massey, and Alan Hale in prominent roles. The film is directed by Lloyd Bacon and produced by Jerry Wald, who has also co-written the screenplay with John Howard Lawson. The movie's plot is centered around a convoy of ships that are bound for Europe, carrying crucial supplies to assist the war effort.

The film begins onboard a merchant vessel named the SS Northern Star, where we are introduced to the captain, Captain Steve Jarvis (played by Raymond Massey) and his crew, consisting of chief engineer Joe Rossi (Humphrey Bogart) and navigator Lieutenant Joe Rossi (Alan Hale). The film takes us through their lives and the hardships they face as they embark on their dangerous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, facing enemy attacks, inclement weather, and survival challenges.

The SS Northern Star is part of an Allied convoy that plans to deliver essential war supplies to the US and allied forces overseas. However, their journey is upended when the convoy gets attacked by the German Navy's U-Boat. This leads to a series of brutal battles and intense moments of suspense as they try to survive and reach their destination.

Throughout the movie, the crew exhibit tremendous bravery and resilience in the face of danger. Bogart's character, Joe Rossi, impresses with his determination to protect the lives of his crewmates and the ships they are escorting. He is the epitome of a selfless hero, who risks his own life to save that of others.

Action in the North Atlantic is notable for the incredibly realistic and authentic portrayal of naval warfare during World War II. The battle scenes are depicted with great attention to detail and provide an excellent insight into the harsh realities of war. The film's focus on the merchant marine crew reflects the significance of their contribution to the war effort, often overlooked in war films.

The movie's theme of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity rings true even today. Despite the challenges, the crew and their convoy band together and demonstrate that they are more than capable of withstanding the vices of a turbulent war narrative. The film captures the intensity of the ocean and its treacheries, the bravado and courage of the crew, and the tactical genius of the naval authorities.

Humphrey Bogart's performance in the film is noteworthy, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He effortlessly transitions from the tough engineer to displaying the emotion that comes from witnessing the horrors of war. Raymond Massey, likewise, delivers a captivating performance, embodying the courage and strong spirit that are essential to a captain's character. Alan Hale, who played the fabled sidekick in early Hollywood cinema, ultimately showcased his versatility in portraying 'tough guy' characters, proving that he has what it takes to carry an action movie.

The film's cinematography is exceptional, the black and white tones adding to the all-around depth and atmosphere of the movie. Lloyd Bacon's direction, welded together with the film's tight script, explores the psychology of the men onboard the ship and how they cope with different situations that test their resolve.

In conclusion, Action in the North Atlantic is a classic war film that stands the test of time. The realistic portrayal of naval warfare, combined with excellent performances from its stars and the gripping storyline, makes for an engrossing viewing. It is a timeless reminder of the sacrifices and contribution that the men and women in the merchant marine made during World War II. It rightly deserves its place as one of Hollywood's compelling wartime dramas.

Action in the North Atlantic is a 1943 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.