Away All Boats (1956)

Set in 1943 WWII, a Navy attack transport has a new Captain (Jeff Chandler) who must contend with an inexperienced crew as well as personal friction among the men. Based on the best selling novel by Kenneth M. Dodson (whose book is based on his own WWII experience) and directed by Joseph Pevney (TAMMY AND THE BACHELOR). Although a war movie, the film focuses on the challenges faced by the ship's officers and crew rather than battles (though they're there too). Shot in VistaVision and Technicolor by William H. Daniels (GRAND HOTEL), the film was a box office success earning almost double its budget. I liked it well enough but after awhile, the film feels repetitive in its narrative and my interest began to wane. The U.S. Navy gave it their full cooperation and it feels authentic. If you're into WWII movies, you should enjoy this one. With George Nader, Lex Barker, Julie Adams (the only woman in the movie), Richard Boone, Charles McGraw, Jock Mahoney, Keith Andes, William Reynolds, Frank Faylen and in a bit part with only one line, an unbilled Clint Eastwood.