Blackmailed into impersonating an SS officer so that he can sabotage a Nazi cargo ship, a German expatriate gradually discovers that the ruthless ship captain detests the war just as much as him in this striking World War II thriller. The film bombed upon initial release and has since slid into relative obscurity - something often attributed to the obtuse title - which is a shame, since it is a commendable effort with all concerned in top form. Marlon Brando carries a credible German accent and Janet Margolin has some strong scenes as a Jewish woman rescued from a U-boat, however, the film absolutely belongs to Yul Brynner as the ship's captain, only ever-so-gradually humanised with his unrequited affection for Margolin and his coming to see Brando's saboteur as a friend. The film does not exactly spin an airtight story and Brando's absolute ease in impersonating an SS officer never quite rings true; the fact that he never seems that nervous or worried about being found out also renders his character less interesting. There is, however, a lot to like in the similarities that Brando and Brynner soon find with one another, both resentful of the Nazis, albeit for different reasons. The film also benefits from one of Jerry Goldsmith's most rousing scores and Conrad L. Hall's Oscar nominated mobile cinematography admirably brings the enclosed ship environment to life.