AllMovie

Western Approaches was produced by Britain's Crown Film unit, with the cooperation of The Royal Navy. Lensed in vibrant color, this 83-minute documentary is a tribute to the Merchant Seamen of WW2. Merchant convoys from several allied nations are shown in action, under some of the most treacherous battle and weather conditions ever captured on celluloid. Highlights include the escape of a "wandering" vessel from a German submarine. Though some of the line deliveries in the staged scenes are awkward (no professional actors were used), Western Approaches scores on its authenticity and integrity.