Ship That Died of Shame, The (1955)

The little British Naval gunboat has no name. She is simply known as 1087. But this has not stopped her from establishing a worthy and gallant war record.

Her crew is led by Lieutenant Commander Bill Randall (George Baker), the Second-in-command is Lieutenant George Hoskins (Richard Attenborough), and the man at the wheel is Petty Officer “Birdie” Dick (Bill Owen).

In war, these three men and their fast and reliable gunboat have sailed proudly into battle after battle, but in peacetime, the trio change their ways. They buy old 1087 and join forces in a cross-channel smuggling venture.

From being something of a lark, this soon becomes a dirty business. Hence 1087’s shame and eventual disintegration on a rocky coast.

Rolan Culver, the villain of the piece, provides the most tension and excitement.

Produced by Ealing Studios, this film was released in some markets as PT Raiders. The story is by Nicholas Monsarrat, who wrote The Cruel Sea.

Lieutenant George Hoskins
Richard Attenborough
Lieutenant Commander Bill Randall
George Baker
Petty Officer “Birdie” Dick
Bill Owen
Helen Randall
Virginia McKenna
Fordyce
Roland Culver
Customs Officer Sam Brewster
Bernard Lee
Sir Richard
Ralph Truman
Raines
John Chandos
Detective
John Longden

Director
Basil Dearden