Sea Of Sand is a superb example of British post war films which depict the gruelling conditions endured by soldiers during the Second World War. The performances are excellent, ranging from the hard-drinking regular soldier played by Richard Attenborough to the family man from a rural community played by Percy Herbert (Blanco White) who features in the most moving scene in the film. John Gregson, as the by-the book Williams, gives an understated solid performance and his antognism with conscripted architect Michael Craig is nicely portrayed, a mutual lack of understanding which ends during the mission to destroy the fuel dump during which Gregson's character reveals a hitherto concealed talent which saves the team from a bloodbath when a truck filled with Afrika Korps arrives unexpectedly. The superb final scene, which shows Williams finally deviating from the textbook military tactics (his comrades shout "what on earth is he doing!" - or words to that effect) is both compelling and moving.
Each character is well defined and their motivations and backgrounds are more detailed than many films of the genre. Once not to be missed!
Each character is well defined and their motivations and backgrounds are more detailed than many films of the genre. Once not to be missed!