Sink the Bismarck!

Sink the Bismarck!

Year: 1960

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: Lewis Gilbert

DramaWarWar and historical adventureEpic history and literatureBravery in War

During the early days of World War II, the German battleship Bismarck, escorted by the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, attempts a breakout into the Atlantic. The Royal Navy races to locate and sink the formidable vessel—armed with eight 15‑inch guns and capable of out‑gunning any convoy ship—before it can threaten the vital supply lanes that sustain the British Isles.

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Timeline & Setting – Sink the Bismarck! (1960)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sink the Bismarck! (1960). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1941

Set during World War II, the narrative centers on the 1941 Atlantic chase of the German battleship Bismarck. The period is defined by high-stakes naval warfare, radar-driven convoy protection, and rapid decision-making under immense pressure. The events hinge on a narrow window before German relief and fuel constraints alter the balance of power at sea.

Location

North Atlantic Ocean, London, Denmark Strait, Brest (occupied France)

The story unfolds across a London underground war room and the perilous North Atlantic sea lanes. Key action points include the Denmark Strait encounter between the Hood, Prince of Wales, and the German Bismarck with Prinz Eugen. The pursuit stretches toward Brest in occupied France as German ships seek shelter, while Royal Navy forces circle the target.

⚓ Naval 🗺️ War 🕰️ WWII

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:27

Main Characters – Sink the Bismarck! (1960)

Meet the key characters of Sink the Bismarck! (1960), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Captain Jonathan Shepard (Kenneth More)

A widower with a son in the Navy, Shepard coordinates the hunt for the Bismarck from an underground London war room. His icy, calculating demeanor masks a fierce, personal resolve to protect his crew and his family. He confidently bets on an aggressive plan that relies on timely intelligence and bold use of aircraft, a decision that proves pivotal to the mission.

🧭 Calculated 💔 Grieving 👨‍✈️ Leader

Anne Davis (Dana Wynter)

The WRNS Second Officer who works closely with Shepard, she challenges his distant style and provides a humane perspective during crisis. Her presence adds nuance to the command dynamic, showing the value of steadiness and communication in wartime decisions.

🗡️ Steady 🗨️ Communicator 💪 Resolve

Admiral Sir John Tovey (Michael Hordern)

Commander-in-Chief, his authority anchors the Royal Navy’s response. He oversees fleet operations from a high-level perspective, balancing strategic goals with the realities of limited resources and the urgency to act against the German threat.

🧭 Strategic 🛡️ Command 🗺️ Authority

Admiral Lutjens (Karl Stepanek) — Bismarck

The German fleet commander aboard the Bismarck, Lutjens embodies calculated resilience and tactical pressure. He aims to break Allied convoy lines and seeks a tactical retreat to safety when pressure mounts, ultimately meeting his fate on the Bismarck’s bridge.

⚔️ Cunning 🧭 Commander 💪 Resolve

Captain Wilfrid Patterson (Jack Gwillim) — King George V

Captain of the King George V, he leads the British line of pursuit and ultimately fires the decisive torpedoes that help bring the Bismarck to heel. His calm presence amid battle underscores the weight of responsible command.

🧭 Leader 🛡️ Calm 🎯 Decisive

Tom Shepard (John Stride)

Captain Shepard’s son and a member of Ark Royal’s Swordfish squadron, his role adds a personal stake to the hunt. The narrative threads his perilous status into the broader wartime effort, highlighting the cost of conflict on families.

🎖️ Son in the Navy 🛩️ Pilot 💙 Family

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:27

Major Themes – Sink the Bismarck! (1960)

Explore the central themes of Sink the Bismarck! (1960), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎖️ Duty

Duty drives the main characters as they balance personal costs with strategic imperatives. Captain Shepard leads a high-stakes hunt from a wartime command center, prioritizing mission success over personal peace. Anne Davis adds a human counterpoint, reminding that duty often comes at emotional cost.

🧭 Leadership

Leadership is tested under extreme pressure, with decisions that carry life-or-death consequences for sailors and civilians alike. The command rooms and bridge crews demonstrate how conviction, timing, and risk-taking shape the outcome. The film examines what it takes to steer a fleet through chaos.

🌊 War at Sea

The sea becomes a character itself, shaping strategy, speed, and fate. Naval technology, radar, and torpedoes redefine engagement, while weather and sea conditions influence command choices. The film highlights the brutal efficiency and fragility of battleships against determined pursuers.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:27

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Sink the Bismarck! Summary

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Sink the Bismarck! Summary

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Sink the Bismarck! Timeline

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