The Cockleshell Heroes
The Cockleshell Heroes

Movie spotlight

The Cockleshell Heroes

1955
Movie
97 min
English

During WW2, German ships are "safely" docked upriver at Bordeaux, but the British send a team of kayakers to attack them.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Morry FurieGenres: War, Action, Adventure, Drama

Plot Summary

During World War II, a daring British naval unit, known as the Cockleshell Heroes, undertakes a perilous mission to sabotage German shipping in the occupied French port of Bordeaux. The commandos travel by folding kayaks, navigating treacherous waters and evading enemy patrols under the cover of darkness. Their objective is to plant limpet mines on enemy vessels, crippling the Nazi war effort. The film chronicles their intense training, the dangerous journey, and the ultimate execution of their daring plan against overwhelming odds.

Critical Reception

The Cockleshell Heroes was generally well-received by critics and audiences upon its release, appreciated for its suspenseful action, historical basis, and strong performances. It was seen as a stirring wartime drama that effectively conveyed the bravery and ingenuity of the men involved. The film achieved significant box office success, becoming one of the most popular British films of the year.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its thrilling depiction of a daring commando mission.

  • Commended for its historical accuracy and authentic portrayal of wartime bravery.

  • The performances, particularly by José Ferrer and Trevor Howard, were noted as strong and compelling.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for "The Cockleshell Heroes (1955)" is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true story of Operation Frankton, a 1942 raid by British Royal Marines and Commandos on the German-occupied port of Bordeaux.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

HM Royal Marines don't tend to be centre-stage in many films depicting their wartime escapades. This one recounts their exploits trying to canoe up the Garonne and attack some vital Nazi shipping. The plot is quite interesting but both José...