A highly praised war thriller featuring Robert Mitchum will be broadcast entirely free of charge later today (Friday, 24th October).
The timeless Hollywood picture debuted in 1957 and remains regarded as one of the finest Second World War dramas decades on.
Mitchum, most famous for suspense films like The Night of the Hunter and Cape Fear, plays the commander of an American destroyer engaged in a deadly battle of wits with a German U-boat.
Also starring legendary actors including Kurt Kreuger and Curd Jürgens, The Enemy Below is essential viewing for enthusiasts of vintage cinema or film lovers who may have overlooked this underappreciated masterpiece.
It will be shown on Film 4 today at 1:10pm, following which the picture will be accessible to stream without cost for a limited period on Channel 4, reports the Mirror.
The Enemy Below presently boasts an outstanding 86 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the viewer score climbing even further to 88 percent.
Leading critic Jim Schembri remarked: “More than 60 years on it still stands as one of the most thoughtful and humane war films ever made.”
Meanwhile, an RT user penned in their glowing review: “Excellent war movie. Mitchum and Jurgens are both brilliant in this film. Watch it.”
The praise extended to movie social platform Letterboxd, where one admirer confessed: “Surprised how good this is. Gripping after slow start with much human interest and no American triumphalism.”
One awestruck viewer expressed: “It’s not very often that I watch a movie that is so great I’m speechless. This is a wonderful presentation of war and the bond that is formed between men in the most dire of circumstances. This movie needs to be watched.”
“Goosebumps while writing this remembering what I’ve watched…” another fan enthused.
“Absolutely incredible performances from Mitchum and Jurgens. The look Jurgens gives Mitchum at the end ALONE is worth a 5 star rating.
“An earlier example of humanising the enemy, which was not much of a trend in Hollywood at the time. Honestly fantastic film I recommend to all.”
Another admirer commented: “A tense, well edited thriller. Fantastic special effects and one of the best and most unique montages I’ve ever seen. Great acting. Cat and mouse stuff at its best.”
While a final film buff made a bold statement about The Enemy Below: “Here’s the thing about this movie. Nobody talks about it and they SHOULD.
“Next to The Longest Day it is probably one of the best war movies ever made.”
The Enemy Below is airing at 1:10pm on Film 4 on Friday, 24th October and will be available to stream on Channel 4.