Expert: Mel - 4/11/2007

Question
I'm 58 years old and I am trying to find out the name of a movie I used to watch in LA in the late 50's or early 60's probably on Channel 9 if its not celluloid history.
I think it was a British movie about a pilot or soldier who becomes a prisoner on a German Cruiser or Battleship.  They put into some hidden bay to make repairs and he escapes onto the island where he wreaks havoc with a rifle while they are trying to lower men on scaffolding to repair the ship.  They send men to try and find and kill him & eventually become so frustrated that they turn their heavy ship guns on the hillside trying to kill him.  They eventually make repairs and start to leave when they are ambushed by the British Navy who is waiting their departure, all witnessed by our lone hero on the island.  

Answer
Hello Sparkie,

This was a 1953 English film called "Single-Handed", starring Jeffrey Hunter and Michael Rennie. It is also sometimes known as "Soldier Of The King".

Interestingly, the film was shot with two endings - one happy, one sad. Preview audiences were asked to vote for which one they liked best. The film was shown in January this year on English television (Channel 4), under the second title, with both endings.

Glad to be of help. Cheers.........Mel.