The Enemy Below (1957)

[Billy Cox]

This film tells the story (fictional as far as I can tell) of an American destroyer pursuing a German U-boat during World War II. The action alternates between the captain of the American ship and the captain of the U-boat.

I fully expected to find constraints on the story by virtue of the film's production date when the War was still fresh on people's memories and I was not disappointed. How does a movie portray a U-boat captain in a way that makes the audience feel sympathy for him by the end of the film?

1. Have a scene in which the U-boat captain expresses despair about the cause for which he is fighting.

2. Have a scene where the U-boat captain is visibly disgusted by the word 'Fuhrer' that is emblazoned on part of the U-boat. Take it a step further by showing the captain hang a towel over the offending word.

3. Have a scene where the U-boat captain is visibly exasperated when he sees one of his crewmembers reading 'Mein Kampf'.

The main theme of the movie is honor in defeat. The film masterfully develops the U-boat captain's character so that the audience is not disappointed at the ending. It could also be said that the ending of the movie is an allegory for the ending of the conflict in Europe.

The historian in me appreciates this film as a reflection of the time period in which making sense out of an epic event was paramount.

[Gary Swartzlander]

Wow, I thought I was probably the only one who watches this movie when ever I can. In the future I'll try to remember some of the points you make as I watch it. Your description of the movie is very accurate. Some of the interaction is a great study in humanity.

Thanks for bringing it up.

[Billie Goodson]

I liked the movie Billy. And, I think it shows that sometimes soldiers are somewhat stuck. One did not have to love Hitler to realize that they believed they were fighting for their the nation's existence. It always reminded me of the dilemma that Lee faced in the Civil War.

[Billy Cox]

It did not occur to me at the time, but the ending (in which both the destroyer and sub explode) might reflect a general fatigue with war. In that respect, it could be similar to the ending of Apocalypse Now in which all of the rogue fighters drop their weapons.

[Billie Goodson]

The book and movie ended vastly different.

[Billy Cox]

Based only on the fact that book must have been written closer to the events of WWII, I am guessing that only the U-boat was sunk in the book. Am I close?

[Billie Goodson]

If I recall right, both get sunk, but, the men remain locked in battle -- even with their boats going down.

[Billy Cox]

That sounds more like a cold war ending; radically different from the film. Oh for a Hollywood ending.

[Glenda Harvey]

My husband has this movie. (He pretty much has every WWII movie as well as every WWII book out there) I'll have to watch it with him the next time he puts it on.