''U 47 – Kapitänleutnant Prien'' () is a 1958 black-and-white German war film portraying the

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing ...

career of the

U-boat U-boats were naval submarines operated by Germany, particularly in the First and Second World Wars. Although at times they were efficient fleet weapons against enemy naval warships, they were most effectively used in an economic warfare ro ...

captain

Günther Prien Günther Prien (16 January 1908 – presumed 8 March 1941) was a German U-boat commander during World War II. He was the first U-boat commander to receive the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and the first member of the ''Kriegsmarine'' to r ...

. It stars

Dieter Eppler Dieter Eppler (11 February 1927, in Stuttgart – 12 April 2008, in Stuttgart) was a German television actor and director of radio dramas. He was an actor, known for ''Jonas'' (1957), ''The Country Doctor'' (1987) and '' The Last Winter'' (1960). H ...

and Sabine Sesselmann and was directed by

Harald Reinl Harald Reinl (8 July 1908 in Bad Ischl, Austria – 9 October 1986 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain) was an Austrian film director. He is known for the films he made based on Edgar Wallace and Karl May books (see Karl May movies and Edgar Wal ...

Plot

The film begins shortly after the outbreak of

when Günther Prien reports to the commander of the

force, Karl Dönitz. Dönitz orders Prien as commander of ''U-47'' to penetrate the

Royal Navy The Royal Navy (RN) is the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Although warships were used by English and Scottish kings from the early medieval period, the first major maritime engagements were fought in the Hundred Years' War against ...

's primary base at Scapa Flow to inflict as much damage as possible. Prien accomplishes his mission and receives a hero's welcome on his return. Following these events, pastor Kille, a former schoolmate of Prien, approaches Prien in the need for help. Kille offers refuge to victims of Nazi oppression. Prien initially declines, stating he is a soldier and not involved in politics. The attempt by Kille's sister Alwine, who is engaged to Prien's first officer Thomas Birkeneck, also fails to convince Prien. As the war progresses, Prien is plagued by his bad conscience, asking himself if his attitude is correct. A dramatic incident occurs following the sinking of a freighter. ''U-47'' rescues two survivors. These turn out to be German refugees who are trying to escape from Nazi Germany. The two chose to remain at sea over the prospect of returning to Germany. Prien finally believes, that as a figure of public interest, he could influence and change something for the better. He goes to visit the imprisoned pastor Kille. Prien promises him help, not realizing that their conversation is overheard. Thus Prien himself gets into the focus of the

Gestapo The (), abbreviated Gestapo (; ), was the official secret police of Nazi Germany and in German-occupied Europe. The force was created by Hermann Göring in 1933 by combining the various political police agencies of Prussia into one orga ...

, the Secret State Police. The visit remains without consequences for Prien. ''U-47'' is sunk on his next war patrol. Prien and his cook (''Der Smut'') are rescued by a British ship, which is then sunk by another German submarine under the command of Prien's former first officer, Birkeneck. Prien's hat is retrieved from the sea putting Birkeneck in a state of shock. Subsequently, he fails to give the order to dive on time and his boat is sunk by attacking enemy aircraft.

Historical accuracy

The story is loosely based on Prien's combat record and command of submarine . His most famous exploit was the sinking of the British battleship at anchor in the Home Fleet's anchorage in Scapa Flow. His achievements as U-boat commander were highly idolized by Joseph Goebbels'

Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda The Reich Ministry for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda (; RMVP), also known simply as the Ministry of Propaganda (), controlled the content of the press, literature, visual arts, film, theater, music and radio in Nazi Germany. The ministry ...

. Every character depicted in the film, except for Prien and Admiral Dönitz, who is not mentioned by name in the film, is fictitious. Prien's portrayal as an active member of the German resistance is also fictitious. ''U-47''s destruction and Prien's death is another invention of the movie makers. To date, there is no official record of what happened to the ''U-47'' or her 45 crewmen. The submarine shown in the film was the

Spanish submarine G-7 German submarine ''U-573'' was a Type VIIC U-boat built for Nazi Germany's '' Kriegsmarine'' for service during World War II. Her keel was laid down 8 June 1940 at the Blohm & Voss yard in Hamburg as yard number 549. She was launched on 17 ...

, formerly the .

Cast

References

Citations Bibliography * * * * *

External links

*
"U47 - Kapitänleutnant Prien" at filmportal.de
{{DEFAULTSORT:U47 - Kapitanleutnant Prien 1958 films 1950s war films Biographical films about military personnel Films directed by Harald Reinl German biographical films 1950s German-language films German war films West German films World War II submarine films Constantin Film films 1950s German films