Watch The Silent Enemy

The Silent Enemy, released in 1958, is an adventure film set in the Second World War. The movie follows the story of a British naval commander named Lionel "Buster" Crabb (Laurence Harvey), who leaves his desk job to lead a mission to sabotage the Nazi invasion of Gibraltar. Addams plays Sally, his love interest that ends up inspiring him to take on the mission.

The movie starts with Crabb being put in charge of the mission, with the help of a group of divers from the British navy. The mission is to plant limpet mines on the bottom of German ship propellers that anchor in the Bay of Gibraltar.

The setup of the mission is quite extensive. The crew of the British submarine and the British personnel on the beaches put their lives on the line to ensure that the mission goes well, while Crabb and his divers are busy completing their job. The tension mounts as the crew get closer to completing the job, and the danger of detection is at an all-time high.

Throughout the movie, there is a palpable sense of adventure and danger that the audience feels as they follow Crabb and his team on their perilous journey. As the divers move further into enemy territory, the underwater scenes are nothing short of breathtaking with several of England's most talented stunt men lending their talents for dangerous diving scenes to show the incredible battles the men faced.

Most of the movie is told without dialogue, with the actors' performances being more physical than verbal. With limited dialogue, the audience is forced to pay attention to their body language and facial expressions, adding to the movie's tension and excitement.

The cast does a splendid job, where Harvey stands out as the captain working against all odds, inspiring his crew. Addams has a smaller role, but she creates a captivating ambiance in some of the most intense moments of the movie. Craig portrays the mission's skilled diver and is a key figure in the underwater scenes.

The cinematography in The Silent Enemy is impressive, with beautiful shots of the sea and the boats, as well as the thrilling underwater scenes that take the audience deep beneath the surface. The majority of the movie was shot on location in Gibraltar, adding authenticity to the story.

The Silent Enemy is considered a classic of British war films because of its pace, tension and excitement. The film accurately portrays the bravery of the British Navy during the Second World War, the risks that they took, and the significant role that they played in the war.

The movie's climax, where the crew is detected by German authorities, provides nail-biting suspense as the divers must try to resume their mission and make it to safety. The audience will be on the edge of their seats, unsure whether the mission will be successful.

In conclusion, The Silent Enemy is an excellent example of an adventure war movie, with beautiful cinematography, intense performances, and a thrilling storyline. This action-packed movie is an excellent option for anyone looking for a drama that will keep them on the edge of their seats.