The Sea Chase (1955)

61% of users liked it
(2,569 ratings)

John Wayne plays anti-Nazi Prussian sea captain Karl Erlich in Sea Chase, one of the many film commentaries released post WWII. Though staunchly opposed to the Nazi regime, Karl (Wayne) feels it would nevertheless be unpatriotic should he refuse to save his ship from destruction. His ship--an old,… More John Wayne plays anti-Nazi Prussian sea captain Karl Erlich in Sea Chase, one of the many film commentaries released post WWII. Though staunchly opposed to the Nazi regime, Karl (Wayne) feels it would nevertheless be unpatriotic should he refuse to save his ship from destruction. His ship--an old, rusty 5,000 ton freighter named the Ergenstrasse--is being pursued by a British warship on his journey from Australia back to Germany. Captain Erlich does everything he can to save his ship and his crew, but the process is long and dangerous, particularly without a plentiful supply of fuel and provisions. Erlich must face obstacles ranging from horrendous sea storms and shark attacks to false murder accusations, and it seems his only devotee is Elsa (Lana Turner), a beautiful German spy. Despite nearly falling to the determined English ship and a mutiny attempt by his own crew, Captain Erlich manages to survive what was anything but a routine trip back to his home country. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 5 min.
Directed By: John Farrow
Genres: Classics, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1955 Wide
On DVD: May 3, 2005

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
To enjoy this John Wayne's popular action adventure, you'll have to disregard its terrible script and bizarre casting of the Duke as a German sea captain.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
"This letterboxed version was watchable only to see how Lana acts while wearing furs..."

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Decent if cliched WWII actioner. Lana looks great especially considering she's on a German frieghter for weeks on end, she never less then immaculate! A pleasant time filler.
Barry L

Bit claustraphobic and Wayne has no idea how to be German but it was an great action love story for its time.

Cast

            John Wayne as Capt. Karl Erlich

            Lana Turner as Elsa Keller

            David Farrar as Comdr. Napier

            Lyle Bettger as Krichner

            Tab Hunter as Cadet Wesser

            James Arness as Schlieter

            Dick Davalos as Cadet Walter Stemme

            John Qualen as Chief Schmidt

            Paul Fix as Max Heinz

            Lowell Gilmore as Capt. Evans

            Alan Hale Jr. as Wentz

            Peter Whitney as Bachman

            Claude Akins as Winkler

            Alan Lee as Brounck

            Jean De Briac as French governor

            John Doucette as Bo'sun

            Anthony Eustrel as British high official

            Wilton Graff as Hepke

            Cameron A. Grant as Kruse

            Renate Huy as Fraulein

            John Indrisano
            
            James Lilburn as British officer

            Gavin Muir as British officer

            Pat O'Moore as Warship officer

            Tudor Owen as Trawler survivor

            Gil Perkins as Baldhead

            Joey Ray as Sub Lieutenant

            Luis Van Rooten as Matz

            Adam Williams as Kruger

            Gloria Dea
            
            Isabelle Dwan
            
            Lucita as Spanish Girl

            Fred Stromsoe as Mueller

            John Sheffield as Patron in Dining Room

            Richard Davalos
            
See full cast