Geoff Dean

Only rate five-star films and this is one. As Sibelius once said, " they don't build statues to critics" so I don't like knocking a thing that I would be useless at. On Talking Pictures last night and was baffled as to the film's low profile. Cannot understand how this film has escaped my attention for fifty years - perhaps it's the title? Anyway, clever WW11 suspense set on a cargo ship with different political factions on board. A clinical captain paradoxically tormented by conscience (Yul Brynner) Where do his allegiances lie? A few on this mission are in the same situation. Well worth a watch this one - so different.

To be quite honest it's the best movie I have seen in a while. The theme is different from anything I have ever seen. A battle of a person's honesty, morals, self-belief and ambition against corruption and adversity. Almost everything is thrown at this businessman and he takes it all on the chin - even from his wife. You feel for him as to what can go wrong next for his business and home. What a dump parts of New York are. A great line with " No. You're looking backwards. Look forward. It's the only thing you can control." Not for the bang-bang shake the room brigade - it's a thinking person's film but never boring. I kept on rooting for him thinking how on earth is he going to get out of this mess? The only way to find out is to watch. Any salesman wanting to better themselves a must - he is a master mentor.

Wow, I'm nearly 70 and have never seen this film before now. I can't believe that I'd never heard of it as a boy or an adult. A mixture of The Searchers and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (without the music) Thoroughly entertaining, underrated film. Lancaster, to the point as ever - never any messing with this guy. Great siege at the end. Romance, action, scenery, rawness - it's got it all and some great quotes. My favourite is when the Indian chief is bartering with horses for the woman Lancaster loves. Burt replies " There are not enough horses in the world. Not as many as you can catch. Not as many as you can steal." Now that's loyalty and love!! Still can't believe that this one escaped me for so long.