Niven doesn't say much about his war exploits or this film in his autobiog (he was a decorated Lieutenant-Colonel), but when the action begins he displays exactly the kind of calm, immediate authority you might expect was real. (According to 'The Moon's a Balloon' the film was used for training at Sandhurst for 10 years after.)
It is distinctive in the way the ordinary folk from all walks of life are moulded into soldiers. They are Stanley Holloway, James Donald (who also displays a cool, methody presence), John Laurie, Leslie Dwyer, Hugh Burden, Raymond Huntley and Jimmy Hanley, with William Hartnell brushing them into shape and Leo Genn as the Captain. Renée Asherson is the girl who invites them to tea.
Eric Ambler and Peter Ustinov's script reflects the course of events in the attitude of two Chelsea Pensioners, and it's their delight at the film's end that lifts what you might otherwise think a gloomy finish.
Reed's trademark tilt is exploited in tense scene where the ship is hit, involving an uncredited Trevor Howard. Guy Green is lighting high contrast.
Couldn't find out where the North Africa scenes were actually filmed as they look very authentic (as does the destruction of the town).
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