The Silent Enemy DVD (Region 1 - Playable in North America - the US, Canada, Mexico, etc.) Widescreen. Black & White. 1958 Starring: Laurence Harvey, Dawn Addams, Michael Craig, John Clements, Alec McCowen, Sidney James, Nigel Stock. Written by William Fairchild, Marshall Pugh adapted from the book and based on the true story of "Commander Crabb". Directed by William Fairchild. On Dec 19, 1941, Italian frogmen, using underwater mines, destroyed two British warships at Alexandria, Egypt. When it was learned that they were operating along the Spanish coast across from the British base at Gibraltar - putting British and later American shipping at risk - naval explosive and bomb expert Lionel "Buster" Crabb (Laurence Harvey) is brought in to create a team of divers to strive against the might and power of Fascist Italy. Made a year after Crabb was murdered by the Communists, this is a remarkable and unique film about a fascinating and obscure battlefield of the War. Essential viewing! (A footnote: James Bond author/creator Ian Fleming was almost certainly aware of either this film or, more likely the actual events, and used it as the inspiration for Thunderball. Certain plot points were obviously lifted and the final section of this film is almost a shot-for-shot preview of the final section of both the Bond novel and film.) "Human Torpedoes vs. Battleships! Based on the TRUE exploits of Commander Crabb, heroic Frogman of World War II!" Review: "My Favourite Laurence Harvey film. Laurence Harvey in, I think his best role, playing Lionel Kenneth "Buster" Crabb OBE GM. I love this film, based on a true story and a real life hero. Crabb was awarded the George Medal for his work in Gibraltar to disarm mines from British warships based there. There is a great mix of fact and some humor thrown in with the appearance of Sid James as a Chief Petty Officer charged with getting the new frogmen fit for the long and dangerous work they had to undertake. A classic British Black and white war film in every sense. Overall a great must watch film for B&W war film fans!"
