Details

Release year: 1959

Storyline

A ship's captain is promoted by his company from tramp steamers to their flagship passenger liner. Although he is a thoroughly competent sailor ready to take charge of such a ship, he is less prepared for the social duties the new position involves, not least the way he becomes the target for all the comely unattached women on board.

Top credits

Directors

Jack Lee

Writers

Cast

John Gregson — Captain Ebbs
Peggy Cummins — Mrs. Judd
Donald Sinden — Shawe-Wilson
Nadia Gray — Mrs. Porteous

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Did you know

• Richard Gordon's novel sold very well in America and was optioned by Paramount. John Michael Hayes wrote a first-draft screenplay, making the central character American, not British; the plan was that it become a vehicle for Spencer Tracy. However, the studio dropped the idea and the film rights were snapped up by the Rank Organization. The script went through a number of changes, and both Bryan Forbes and John Whiting claimed they were disappointed with the final movie.

• The ship used in the long-shots (and some deck exteriors) was the SS Oronsay built in 1951 for the Orient Line. One of her sister ships fulfilled the same role in Carry on Cruising (1962). In fact the ship in this film is the SS Orsova, built in 1954. Filming took place at Tilbury Docks and some deck footage was filmed on board, but the interiors are Pinewood creations (as are some of the deck scenes).

• Debut of actress Heather Downham.

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