You can tell Charles Laughton was coming to the end of his career in this dull and uneventful film. They call it a movie but it's not. I don't know what it is: documented history, docu-drama. Whatever you want to label it, it is not a movie. I can see why it hasn't stood the test of time because there is nothing in it to feed Laughton fans. It comes nowhere near the quality of 'Hobson's Choice' or 'Full House'. In terms of being a battleship film, Laughton did something similar nearly twenty years earlier in 'Stand by for Action' with Robert Taylor. That was also a poorly made film and did not deserve to be called a movie.I would advise Laughton fans to stay away from this film because you miss nothing by not watching it.

THIS gets a 6.4 rating? A potentially taught true story with "A" list leads, bad "B" movie production values and turgid direction? Van Heflin and Charles Laughton were "A" list stars in 1960. Both put in fine performances, though Heflin should have at least made a go at a German accent. In fact, none of the Germans speak German or with an accent, all of the signs in German headquarters are in English, there is not even a shaky camera to suggest ship movement, virtually all of the action footage is stock. Even the editing is so indifferent a key subplot appears to be part of another movie. Want to see a good "cat and mouse" Naval war picture? Watch "The Enemy Below". Need an insomnia cure? Watch "Under 10 Flags".I give "Under 10 Flags" a "4".

I don't see this film in as nearly a bad light as some of the other commentator's here. There is good performances from Van Heflin and Laughton is always a joy to watch. There are certainly some obvious Italian extras thrown into this movie but whats bad about that? I for one can give the thumbs up for the female actors. Great bodies on them even though its in black and white! Stock footage is used in abundance for the sinking of the ships but the actual guns firing and being uncovered on the German vessel looks like the real deal to me. So sure, its not a masterpiece but give it a chance and I am sure you will find it a time passer.

A thoroughly enjoyable movie with real ships and lots of original wartime footage, which make it a refreshing change from some of the slick but unconvincing modern offerings. More than a few of the usual, expected stereotypes are depicted, but the plot chunters along at a cracking pace, interspersing furious naval action with some well-observed 'stiff upper lip' screenplay, some nerve-wracking espionage work and any number of amusing little character studies.Honour, death, determination, courage, childbirth, duplicity, fear and humour are dealt with in turn and all acted out in a thoroughly workmanlike manner. Van Heflin is superb as the captain of the German ship and the unutterably delectable Mylene Demongeot is stunning as a perky nymphette who, obviously fearing her looks would fade before the end of the film, seemed desperate to hook a guy (any guy) before the end credits! As might be expected, the entirely dependable Charles Laughton did a sterling job of playing Charles Laughton - in a Sailor Suit! Without exception the rest of the supporting cast were top notch - all the way down to the brave little kids being winched aboard ship in a cargo net!!As it is based on true events, this movie is all the more worth watching by anyone who enjoys naval warfare stories and is heartily recommended!An 8 out of 10 without hesitation for me....