Kieron Moore plays Mike Merriworth. He's just returned to Britain from a North Korean prisoner of war camp*. It seems he was one of the first men captured in this war and he was captured because he'd gone back to help make sure others didn't get left behind in the evacuation. So, in essence, he's a hero. But he doesn't feel like one and hates all the press attention he's receiving. This is because he was tortured and brainwashed while in captivity and clearly is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
As a result of Merriworth not fitting in and being a grouchy anti-social sort, instead of being sent back to duty in the Merchant Marines, he's instead transferred to a be an instructor at the Outward Bound Sea School at Aberdovey, Wales. If you care, this town in in Central Wales on the coast...and it's apparently still there.
The main theme of the film seems to be 'damaged goods'. Clearly, Merriworth is damaged psychologically. He never smiles, is curt and unpleasant as well. In addition to his baggage, a few of the students under his command are also suffering from a variety of traumas...such as the son of a dead test pilot as well as a couple juvenile delinquents who were likely sent to the school in lieu of reform school.
So is it any good? Generally, yes...and quite interesting. What I did not love were a few of the characters who seemed more like formulaic characters than real teens--such as the fat kid named 'Tubby', the kid with a crippling fear of heights, and the tough kid (Anthony Newley). Still, I could look past this and you should be able to as well. Very unusual and worth your time.
*Despite most movies and TV shows talking about Americans in the Korean War, many other United Nations troops were involved as well. So having a British prisoner of war was clearly possible...along with having Greek, Aussie and many other soldiers and sailors as prisoners.
As a result of Merriworth not fitting in and being a grouchy anti-social sort, instead of being sent back to duty in the Merchant Marines, he's instead transferred to a be an instructor at the Outward Bound Sea School at Aberdovey, Wales. If you care, this town in in Central Wales on the coast...and it's apparently still there.
The main theme of the film seems to be 'damaged goods'. Clearly, Merriworth is damaged psychologically. He never smiles, is curt and unpleasant as well. In addition to his baggage, a few of the students under his command are also suffering from a variety of traumas...such as the son of a dead test pilot as well as a couple juvenile delinquents who were likely sent to the school in lieu of reform school.
So is it any good? Generally, yes...and quite interesting. What I did not love were a few of the characters who seemed more like formulaic characters than real teens--such as the fat kid named 'Tubby', the kid with a crippling fear of heights, and the tough kid (Anthony Newley). Still, I could look past this and you should be able to as well. Very unusual and worth your time.
*Despite most movies and TV shows talking about Americans in the Korean War, many other United Nations troops were involved as well. So having a British prisoner of war was clearly possible...along with having Greek, Aussie and many other soldiers and sailors as prisoners.