The Sea Wolves
Year: 1980
Runtime: 120 mins
Language: English
Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
After a German spy leaks the positions of Allied ships anchored in neutral Goa, British intelligence faces a diplomatic impasse. To avoid a full‑scale assault in the Portuguese‑controlled port, they recall a cadre of World War I veterans—now elderly men whose age offers cover. The seasoned ex‑soldiers are sent to sea for a daring undercover mission to foil the enemy.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Sea Wolves yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
The Sea Wolves (1980) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Sea Wolves (1980), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
During World War II, German U-boats are sinking thousands of tons of British merchant shipping in the Indian Ocean. British intelligence, based in India, believes a radio transmitter hidden aboard one of three German merchant ships interned in Goa, then a colony of Portugal, is feeding the U-boats. Since Portugal is neutral, conventional forces cannot attack these ships.
At the top of the operation, the head of the Indian section of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) authorizes bold attempts to kidnap and interrogate two known German agents, but the initial efforts fail. An alternative plan is proposed to a Territorial unit of British expatriates, the Calcutta Light Horse, to carry out the mission on their behalf. All volunteers are trained in military skills and eager to contribute to the war effort.
While the volunteers prepare, Captain Gavin Stewart and Jack Cartwright travel covertly to Goa. Using a mix of blackmail and bribery, they arrange diversions for the raid: a party at the Governor’s palace, a brothel offering free entry to sailors, and a Carnival with fireworks that light up the port and distract the German crew.
Stewart’s entanglement deepens with Mrs Cromwell, Barbara Kellerman, a German agent and the main conduit to the master spy known to both sides as Trompeta. She is eventually killed by Stewart after she attempts to kill him, but not before she has killed Cartwright, leaving a marked sense of loss and betrayal in the mission.
The raiders sail along the coast in a decrepit, barely seaworthy barge; they plant limpet mines on the hulls of the German ships in Goa and board one that is used to transmit signals to U-boats. They catch the depleted crew off guard. Despite Col. Lewis Pugh [Gregory Peck]’s order to avoid shooting, several German sailors are killed. The ship is set alight and the raiders withdraw, watching as it sinks beneath the waves. The final scene lingers on a surfacing German U-boat, waiting to hear a signal from the now sunken ship, a quiet reminder of the hidden war waged beneath calm waters.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:18
Unlock the Full Story of The Sea Wolves
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Sea Wolves in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Sea Wolves is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
The Sea Wolves Timeline
Track the full timeline of The Sea Wolves with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
