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The 1958 British war film "Sea of Sand" follows the exploits of a small group of British soldiers known as the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) during World War II. The film stars Richard Attenborough as Captain Williams, John Gregson as Sergeant Nesbitt, and Michael Craig as Corporal Mathieson. The LRDG was a reconnaissance and raiding unit that operated in the deserts of North Africa. Their mission was to gather intelligence on enemy positions and movements, as well as disrupt their supply lines. The film takes place in 1942, during the British Eighth Army's advance towards the city of Tobruk.

The story follows Captain Williams and his men as they embark on a mission to locate and destroy a German fuel depot. The journey takes them deep into the Libyan desert, where they face numerous challenges, including harsh terrain, extreme weather, and a shortage of supplies.

One of the main themes of the film is the camaraderie and trust that develops between the members of the LRDG. Williams is a seasoned veteran who has been with the unit for several years, while Nesbitt and Mathieson are both relatively new recruits. Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, the three men quickly form a bond based on mutual respect and a shared determination to complete their mission.

As they journey deeper into the desert, the soldiers encounter a number of obstacles, including a minefield, a sandstorm, and a German patrol that almost discovers their presence. Along the way, they also meet an Arab guide named El Zaituni (played by Percy Herbert), who helps them navigate the treacherous terrain and avoid detection by the enemy.

The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of desert warfare, including the use of actual LRDG vehicles and equipment. The action sequences are well-staged and suspenseful, with the soldiers having to rely on their wits and ingenuity to outsmart the enemy.

In addition to the action scenes, the film also contains several poignant moments that highlight the toll of war on the soldiers' mental and emotional health. Williams, in particular, is shown to be haunted by the memory of a previous mission in which his men were killed. This makes him hesitant to risk the lives of his current team, even as they face increasing danger.

Overall, "Sea of Sand" is a gripping and realistic depiction of the challenges faced by the LRDG during the North African campaign. The performances by Attenborough, Gregson, and Craig are all excellent, and the film's portrayal of the soldiers' camaraderie and bravery in the face of adversity is both inspiring and moving.

Sea of Sand is a 1958 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.