Watch The Eternal Sea

The Eternal Sea is a dramatic war film set during World War II, released in 1955. The movie is based on a true story of the life of Rear Admiral John M. Hoskins, who served in the US Navy during the war. The film stars Sterling Hayden as Hoskins, Alexis Smith as his wife Sue, and Ben Cooper as their son Tim. The movie begins with Hoskins being awarded a medal for his heroic actions during the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. He is then assigned to command the naval base in Wellington, New Zealand, where he is responsible for overseeing the transport of troops and supplies to the Pacific theater. Hoskins is a dedicated officer who cares deeply about his men, but his focus on the war often causes tension with his family.

Sue and Tim arrive in New Zealand to join Hoskins, but their reunion is bittersweet. Sue is resentful of her husband's long absences and the dangers he faces, while Tim struggles with his new country and misses his father's attention. Hoskins, meanwhile, is preoccupied with the war effort and the pressure to succeed in his mission.

As the war progresses, Hoskins must make difficult decisions that will affect the lives of his men. He faces challenges such as enemy attacks, supply shortages, and the harsh conditions of the Pacific Ocean. Throughout it all, he demonstrates his leadership skills and earns the respect of his crew.

The film features several intense battle scenes, including a dramatic sequence in which Hoskins and his crew battle a Japanese submarine. The scene is expertly choreographed and shot, with tense music and realistic action that immerses the viewer in the chaos of war.

One of the film's strengths is its portrayal of the impact of war on not only soldiers but also their families. The strain on the Hoskins' marriage is palpable, with Sue feeling neglected and overwhelmed by her husband's job. This adds depth to the story and shows the human cost of war.

The performances in The Eternal Sea are excellent. Sterling Hayden is commanding as Admiral Hoskins, conveying both his professionalism and his personal struggles. Alexis Smith gives a nuanced performance as Sue, capturing the emotions of a woman torn between her love for her husband and her fear for his safety. Ben Cooper is also impressive as Tim, bringing a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the role.

In addition to the central characters, the film features a large cast of supporting players who add depth to the story. These include Hoskins' subordinates, fellow officers, and the crew of his ship. They all contribute to the film's realistic portrayal of life during wartime.

Overall, The Eternal Sea is a well-crafted war movie that should appeal to fans of the genre. It offers a compelling story, strong performances, and thrilling action scenes. The film also has a personal touch that sets it apart from other war films, showing the toll that war takes on families and the sacrifices that are required of those who serve their country.

The Eternal Sea is a 1954 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.