Lifeboat

Lifeboat begins in the minutes after a German sub sinks an allied merchant marine ship. Nine very different people climb aboard a lifeboat ? eight from the ship, one from the sub. The alliance is always uneasy ? the first argument is over whether to kill the Nazi or keep him alive. Despite the limited setting, the film never gets stagnant, thanks to Alfred Hitchcock's well-planned directing and a masterful script by playwright Ben Hecht and screenwriter Jo Swerling, from a story by John Steinbeck.

I like Hitchcock's work, but I'd never seen this classic before the Special Edition DVD release. I was surprised at some of the plot twists in this 1944 film; it's definitely not your typical happy Hollywood movie.

The DVD includes a commentary by film professor Drew Casper and a fascinating look at the making of the film. Most interesting to me was the reception the film received in the wartime U.S. Made by Hitchcock to support the war effort, some critics called it pro-Nazi propaganda. "Lifeboat" still garnered three Oscar nominations, for Directing, Adapted Screenplay, and Black & White Cinematography.

If you've never seen "Lifeboat", pick it up; it's worth a look. Hitchcock fans will appreciate the insights of this DVD's special features.