Question 1

Which two stars made this film during a break in shooting Lawrence of Arabia?

Accepted Answer

Sir Alec Guinness and Sir Anthony Quayle made this movie during the two-month break in the shooting of Lawrence of Arabia (1962), when production moved from Jordan to Spain.

Question 2

What ship played the HMS Defiant, and what happened to it later?

Accepted Answer

The HMS Defiant was 'played' by the 'Marcel B Surdo,' a wooden cod fishing boat rebuilt as a frigate replica. It sank at its dock in Tampa, FL in October 1981 and was later blown up as a hazard.

Question 3

Why was Dirk Bogarde cast as Lieutenant Scott-Padget despite Columbia's objections?

Accepted Answer

Columbia did not want Dirk Bogarde for the role. He was only cast when Alec Guinness threatened to pull out of the film, telling Columbia, 'No Dirk, no Alec.'

Question 4

What tune do the sailors dance the hornpipe to in the film?

Accepted Answer

The tune to which the sailors dance the hornpipe is 'Cock O' the North,' by an unknown composer. It may have been known as a folk tune during or prior to 1797.

Question 5

What is the central conflict aboard the Defiant?

Accepted Answer

The Defiant's crew is part of a fleet-wide movement to present a petition of grievances to the Admiralty. The continual sadism of the first officer makes non-violence difficult, especially when the captain is disabled.

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Damn the Defiant!

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