This reconstruction of a phase in the battle for Tobruk ranks as one of the best and most realistic of Fifties Hollywood war films.

And its acting brings the desert conflict vividly to life.

Richard Burton gives the most sensitive of his early performances as the harsh, disciplinarian officer sent to bring order to a raw division of Australian troops fighting a desperate rearguard action against overwhelming odds.

And Robert Newton is at his most disciplined and persuasive as an alcoholic schoolmaster turned reluctant soldier.

James Mason repeats his earlier portrait of Rommel to great effect.