Watch The Ship That Died of Shame

The Ship That Died of Shame is a 1955 British drama film directed by Basil Dearden and starring Richard Attenborough, George Baker, and Bill Owen. The film is based on a short story by Nicholas Monsarrat, who is best known for his novel The Cruel Sea, which was also adapted into a successful film. The movie revolves around three former navy men, George Hoskins (Richard Attenborough), Fred Pritchard (George Baker), and Dicky Locke (Bill Owen), who decide to buy a surplus naval vessel and turn it into a pleasure boat. They name it The Empress of India, and set out to make a living by taking passengers on trips along the south coast of England.

However, their dream of a prosperous business quickly becomes a nightmare when they find themselves involved in illegal activities with dangerous consequences. The trio is forced to take on shady business deals with a local smuggler, who uses their boat to transport contraband goods. As their profits increase, so do the risks they must take to keep their operation afloat.

As their criminal activities become more serious and they are drawn into a world of corruption, the three men begin to realize the consequences of their actions. They feel ashamed to have betrayed their former naval comrades and the loyalty they had for their country. The ship, which was once their pride and joy, becomes a symbol of their shame and guilt.

Meanwhile, Hoskins becomes romantically involved with his neighbor, Julie Hallam (Virginia McKenna), who is unaware of his criminal activities. As Hoskins struggles with his moral conscience, he becomes increasingly conflicted about the risks involved in his business ventures and the harm they could cause to innocent people.

The film explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the morality of criminal activities. It is also a commentary on the post-war society of Britain, where men who had served in the navy found themselves struggling to make a living in civilian life. The stories of the characters reflect the struggles of many ex-servicemen who found themselves disillusioned, unemployed, and vulnerable.

The Ship That Died of Shame is a well-made film with strong performances from its three leading actors. Richard Attenborough is particularly impressive as Hoskins, who personifies the moral conflicts faced by the characters. The film's director, Basil Dearden, was known for his socially conscious films, and this movie is no exception. It is a thought-provoking drama that offers insights into the post-war society of Britain and the challenges that many ex-servicemen faced.

Overall, The Ship That Died of Shame is a gripping and thoughtful film that offers a fascinating insight into the complexities of human nature. It is a film that challenges viewers to examine their own moral compass and reflect on the choices they make in life.

The Ship That Died of Shame is a 1955 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.