“SAN DEMETRIO, LONDON”

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 278, 21 August 1944, Page 3

“SAN DEMETRIO, LONDON”

One lilm that will stand reliving ns long as motion pictures are enjoyed is "San Demetrio, Loudon” (Opera House). From beginning to end of tins long him, one cannot find a single false note, uot one scene Hint isn't Just exactly right For Hie benefit of those who don t know, or have forgotten, the film tclld the story of tho oil tanker Sun Demetrio, bound from Texas to England with a full cargo of invaluable petrol. The tanker joins the eouvov which is in tho care of H.M.b. Jervis Bay, and there are some brilliant scenes of’the famous action in which the Jervis Bay engaged tlie Seliarnborst, while most of her convoy got clear. Unfortunately, the San Dcmelrio is too heavily laden to escape quickly, and in the failing light the German battleship shells her, Olid sclri her afire. The crew abandon ship, and after some days adrift in shockin'- sens, one boatload drifts buck to their ship still afloat (against all the rules), though still on lire. Here particularly, the lilm is notable for its retention of artistic integrity. The men indulge in no false hcroire—they are scared, for she may blow up at anv moment —but they set themselves the task of putting out the fires, and getting the ship under way ugain. Finally, they win through, and arrive nt their homo port. Inspired bv the true story of the San Ddi’netrio, aiid with some of the original crew of the tanker taking part, litis has been made iuto a film that lives and will live as long ns we are hero to remember with gratitude the men of the Merchant Navy.