Compton Bennett's war drama The Gift Horse follows the fortunes of ageing destroyer The Ballantrae and her crew from the time they come together in 1940 until the climactic raid on occupied St Nazaire in 1942. Trevor Howard plays Lt Cmdr Hugh Alginon Fraser, the newly appointed captain, back in service after having left the navy following a court martial.
Acting
Trevor Howard's wounded dignity carries every scene.
Direction
Bennett captures cramped ship life with authentic claustrophobia.
Director
Compton Bennett
Richard Attenborough
Dripper Daniels
James Donald
Lt. Richard Jennings, No. 1
Sonny Tufts
Yank Flanagan
Trevor Howard
Lt. Cmdr Hugh Alginon Fraser
Bernard Lee
A.S. 'Stripey' Wood
Dora Bryan
Glad Flanagan
Hugh Williams
Captain David G. Wilson
Robin Bailey
Lt. Michael Grant, Pilot
Meredith Edwards
Jones
John Forrest
Appleby the Captain's Steward
Patric Doonan
Petty Officer Martin
Sidney James
Ned Hardy, Landlord Golden Bull
William Russell
Crewman
Joan Rice
June Mallory, WRNS cypher officer
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Filmed with cooperation from the Royal Navy, using actual destroyers and the real St Nazaire raid as its climax—the 1942 operation was one of the most daring British commando actions of WWII.
GB
