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The Sailor of the King

Sailor of the king movie poster, vintage film poster for sailor of the king featuring a confident sailor with guns, ships in battle, and action scene, classic WWII era design.
Steps lead up between tall limestone buildings in the Victoria Citadel.

Synopsis

During World War I, Richard Saville, a young lieutenant in the Royal Navy, has a brief affair and is unaware that it resulted in a son.. Twenty years later during World War II, Saville, now a squadron commander, pursues the German raider Essen after it sinks one of his ships. Signalman Andrew “Canada” Brown heroically delays the enemy by sabotaging their repairs, allowing Saville’s forces to catch up and sink the Essen.

Based on the 1929 book, Brown on Resolution by C. S. Forester, best known for his Hornblower series, Sailor of the King is also a remake of the 1935 film, Forever England.

Production Info

Released


1953

Directed


Roy Boulting

Starring

Jeffrey Hunter
Michael Rennie
Wendy Hiller

More Info

Sailor of the King Scenes on Gozo

  • Signalman Andrew Brown (Jeffrey Hunter) shelters on a cliff in Sailor of the King.
    Signalman Brown taking his postion on the cliffs overlooking the Essen, filmed at Dwerja Bay, Gozo.
  • A World War II Battleship sails out of Dwerja Bay.
    The Essen enters a cove to moor up for vital repairs, shot at Dwerja Bay, Gozo.

Watch Trailer for Sailor of the King

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Sailor of the King Locations Map

The chart of the bay used by the ship, Essen, accurately reflects Dwejra Bay’s true outline, but the coastline depicted south of the bay is fictional. In reality, Dwejra Bay has two entrances because its wide mouth is divided by a small rocky island known as Fungus Rock. However, the film frames its shots to show only a single narrow entrance to the bay.

Did you Know

During his trip to Gozo, Ainsley tried his hand at traditional lace-making and creating the local Gozitan cheeselet, Ġbejna.

🎬 Discover More Gozo On Screen

Loved learning about this production? Gozo’s cinematic story doesn’t have to end here! Explore more films and TV shows shot on the island, uncover behind-the-scenes secrets, and plan your own set-jetting adventure with our in-depth guides.