The Enemy Below Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two grumpy old sailors play a high-stakes game of ‘who can sink the other first’ with explosive consequences in the South Atlantic.

🍿 The Enemy Below: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Encounter

During World War II, the USS Haynes, a US destroyer escort, led by Captain Murrell, encounters a German U-boat in the South Atlantic. Murrell, a former merchant marine, faces skepticism from his crew. The U-boat, commanded by Captain Von Stolberg, is tasked with retrieving a captured British codebook. This sets the stage for a deadly game of cat and mouse.

The Cat and Mouse Game

The Haynes and the U-boat engage in a series of tactical maneuvers. Murrell uses his experience to anticipate Von Stolberg’s movements. The U-boat attempts to evade the destroyer with various techniques, including diving deep and releasing bilge oil to confuse sonar. This portion of the film highlights the strategic thinking and technical skills involved in naval warfare.

Escalation and Damage

The battle intensifies as the Haynes deploys depth charges, damaging the U-boat. Von Stolberg identifies a pattern in Murrell’s attacks and prepares a counterattack. The U-boat launches torpedoes, crippling the Haynes. Despite the damage, Murrell devises a plan to lure the U-boat to the surface.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Capt. Murrell (Robert Mitchum): The experienced but recently widowed American destroyer captain who must outwit a seasoned German U-boat commander in the South Atlantic.
• Von Stolberg (Curd Jürgens): The seasoned German U-boat commander, weary of war, who engages in a battle of wits with Captain Murrell.
• Lt. Ware (David Hedison): The Executive Officer on the USS Haynes, initially skeptical of Captain Murrell’s leadership but ultimately supportive.
• ‘Heinie’ Schwaffer (Theodore Bikel): Von Stolberg’s loyal and trusted second-in-command who shares his captain’s disillusionment with the war.
• Doctor (Russell Collins): The ship’s doctor on the USS Haynes, who provides counsel and philosophical insights to Captain Murrell.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Von Stolberg: “I’m sick of this war. It’s not a good war.” – Von Stolberg expresses his disillusionment with the war to his second in command, Heinie, revealing his inner turmoil.
• Von Stolberg: “They’ve taken the human out of war.” – Von Stolberg laments the increasing mechanization of warfare and the loss of honor in combat.
• Captain Murrell: “Next time I won’t throw you the rope.” – Murrell jokingly acknowledges Von Stolberg after saving his life, highlighting the strange respect that has developed between them.
• Von Stolberg: “I think you will.” – Von Stolberg responds with certainty that Murrell would save him again, underscoring the shared humanity between the two captains.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.91M
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Enemy Below Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘The Enemy Below’! The tension was incredible from start to finish. Robert Mitchum and Curd Jürgens were perfect as the rival captains. The scene where they’re just waiting, listening to each other, was so intense. I also really liked the ending where they help each other after all that fighting. It’s a great reminder that even in war, humanity can win out. Definitely one of my favorite war movies now!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic war films”
  • “Those interested in naval history”
  • “Admirers of Robert Mitchum and Curd Jürgens”
  • “Viewers who appreciate stories with themes of respect and humanity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence and explosions”
  • “Some scenes of peril and intensity”

Professional Reviews

• FilmCritic.com: “A gripping WWII naval thriller, ‘The Enemy Below’ excels in portraying the psychological chess match between two seasoned captains. Mitchum and Jürgens deliver stellar performances, making this a must-see for fans of the genre.
• Variety: “Dick Powell directs with a clinical precision, focusing on the strategic battle between the captains. The film realistically captures the claustrophobic tension of undersea warfare.
• Timeout: “A surprisingly nuanced war film that portrays the enemy with respect and avoids simple caricatures. The Enemy Below rises above its genre through its attention to detail and the compelling performances of its leads.

Audience Reactions

The film’s realistic portrayal of submarine warfare was appreciated by most viewers.: The Enemy Below is consistently praised for its gripping tension, compelling character dynamics, and balanced portrayal of both sides of the conflict.

Many viewers enjoyed the mutual respect that developed between the two captains.: The performances of Robert Mitchum and Curd Jürgens were widely praised, especially their ability to convey the mental strain and strategic thinking required by their roles.

Overall Consensus: A well-regarded WWII naval thriller known for its realistic portrayal of submarine warfare and the compelling performances of its leads.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Special Effects)- 1958

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was filmed on location in Hawaii, using the USS Whitehurst (DE-634) as the USS Haynes, adding to the film’s realism.”
• “Albert Beck, a former German U-boat submariner, was a technical consultant, ensuring authenticity in the submarine scenes.”
• “The special effects, which won an Academy Award, were considered groundbreaking at the time for their realistic depiction of naval warfare, especially underwater explosions.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Enemy Below?

As a classic film, “The Enemy Below” can be found on various platforms. Check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies to see if it’s available for streaming or purchase. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) are also often available through retailers like Amazon and major stores. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Enemy Below, you might like these similar films:

• Run Silent, Run Deep (1958): A direct comparison, focusing on the tense cat-and-mouse game between American submarines and Japanese destroyers in the Pacific.
• Das Boot (1981): A modern equivalent that provides a claustrophobic and realistic portrayal of life inside a German U-boat during World War II.
• U-571 (2000): Another modern submarine film involving the battle of wits on the sea but this time, the Americans steal a German encryption device.
• The Cruel Sea (1953): Explores the psychological impact of naval warfare on the officers and crew of a British corvette during the Battle of the Atlantic.

🛒 The Enemy Below Related Products

• The Enemy Below (Blu-ray): Experience ‘The Enemy Below’ in stunning high-definition. This Blu-ray edition includes behind-the-scenes features and interviews with film historians, making it a must-have for collectors.
• Revell German Submarine U-997 Boat Model Kit: Build your own U-boat model. Based on real-world designs, this kit lets you recreate a piece of naval history. Perfect for hobbyists and history buffs, the Revell German Submarine offers an engaging and educational building experience.
• Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 Board Game: Strategize and command your forces in the Pacific theater of WWII with this classic board game. Engage in naval battles, manage resources, and outwit your opponents in a thrilling strategic experience.
• World of Warships: Command historical warships and engage in intense naval battles in this free-to-play online game. Features accurate ship models and realistic combat mechanics.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Enemy Below features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “So leben wir alle Tage” – performed by Curd Jürgens and the crew of the U-Boat
• “Main Title” – performed by Leigh Harline

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

US Submarine Commander Rates 14 Submarine Scenes In Movies | How Real Is It? | Insider

Ever wondered how accurate submarine movies really are? A real-life submarine commander breaks down scenes from movies like ‘The Enemy Below’ and I was surprised by what he had to say about them. Check it out to see if your favorite sub flick holds up!

✨ Rate