Directed by Basil Dearden and written by Nicholas Monsarrat, John Whiting and Michael Relph. A trio of ex-servicemen begin smuggling innocuous black-market items into post-war Britain, but through greed they graduate to more sinister cargo. Starring: Richard Attenborough, George Baker, Bill Owen, Virginia McKenna, Roland Culver, Bernard Lee and Ralph Truman.

The opening of a film goes a long way to setting the tone, pacing and giving you an introduction to its leading characters but unfortunately, The Ship that Died of Shame tries to use its opening to wade through too much ground. The initial impression it gives is rushed and a little bit forced in its sentimentality and penchant for romance, which then makes it struggle to get back on the right path. Sadly, it doesn’t feel as though it ever finds a true equilibrium, it’s a relatively short run time and doesn’t give itself the space to build the tension and suspense that this story so clearly calls out for.

It’s a shame as if it were given the time to develop properly, there’s a good story at its foundation. One of principles, conflict and nefarious adventure with very emotionally charged characters who slowly reveal their true selves. However, again it’s not giving itself breathing room to build their personalities deeper, which is a waste when you have actors like Richard Attenborough and George Baker at the lead.

Attenborough and Baker still manage to give memorable performances, in spite of the somewhat chaotic nature of the film. Attenborough embraces a menacing, ruthless side which is always fun to watch from him. Baker goes for your classic soldier, with strong principles and a fierce loyalty. Bill Owen creates a nice, safe middle ground between the two of them, keeping the peace and creating a solid, charming character, although he isn’t given much to do. While Bernard Lee stands out as a curious and quick customs officer, his repartee with Attenborough is one of the film’s biggest highlights.

The Ship that Died of Shame has a good story and a great cast but feels as though it doesn’t make full use of either. It comes across rushed and chaotic, while there isn’t actually that much happening, the way that it moves doesn’t let the moments land. It’s begging for a bigger note of suspense, for a slowly growing intensity but feels like it’s simply throwing everything at you instead.

Verdict: ✯✯½ | 5/10

Newly restored and releasing for the first time on Blu-ray, and on DVD & Digital September 11