Review: Damn the Defiant/HMS Defiant
Sir Alec Guinness (in fine, reserved form) is the humane but strict
commander of the title British warship during the Napoleonic wars (in the late
18th century), who in his mission to deliver his ship to meet the
rest of the British fleet in their battle against the French, must contend with
a disreputable and unreasonably brutal first mate (Dirk Bogarde), fond of harsh
disciplinary measures and generally ignoring Guinness’ orders (Bogarde’s also
got political connections which he is fond of bragging about). Meanwhile, the
disgruntled crew bide their time before they (led by Sir Anthony Quayle) can
make their move in exposing the harsh conditions aboard (Guinness understands
their concerns but cannot be seen to tolerate any sort of mutinous action,
especially when it interferes with his orders). Two things complicate matters
even further; 1) Guinness’ 12 year-old son David Robinson is on board on his
maiden voyage, which the petty Bogarde is only too happy to use as leverage
over Guinness, having the boy unfairly punished. Guinness had promised not to
treat his son any differently to the rest of the crew. 2) Guinness is badly
injured during a skirmish with the French, and Bogarde sees fit to take
command.
Although Guinness and Bogarde themselves weren’t too fussed on the film
(Guinness filmed his scenes during a break from filming “Lawrence of Arabia”),
this 1962 Lewis Gilbert (“Alfie”, “You Only Live Twice”) film is
a solid, if unoriginal film, with some great acting. Well, from two of the cast
anyway, two top-notch lead performances by a nicely understated Guinness and a
brilliantly rotten Bogarde (perhaps cast against type). The fine supporting
cast isn’t given much to do (aside from the always solid Quayle), and this
isn’t anything you haven’t seen before or since, but with two of British
cinema’s finest at the...erm...helm, and an entertaining (if familiar) story,
how can you possibly complain?
Excellent action scenes, and seemingly realistic production values, are a
major selling point. The screenplay is by Nigel Kneale (Best known for “The
Quatermass” films and also working on the screen adaptation of “The
Entertainer”) and Edmund North (Oscar-winner for “Patton”, and the
writer of “The Day the Earth Stood Still”), from the novel “Mutiny” by
Frank Tilsley. Terrific colour cinematography by Christopher Challis (“The
Red Shoes”, “Arabesque”, “The Deep”) is also a standout.
Rating: B-
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