Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Like The Battle of Heavy Water, the earlier Norwegian/French production based on a true story of the resistance, this version of David Howarth's The Shetland Bus has reached us in a somewhat mutilated form. Re-edited, cut and dubbed for the British and American markets, it now consists of a string of loosely connected action sequences with some decidedly sketchy characterisation of the men involved, most of whom play themselves. Even at this move, however, the sober handling of Michael Forlong (a young New Zealand director who has made several films in Norway) remains noteworthy. His documentary training is clearly visible in the lengthy storm sequence (one of the most vivid yet recorded on film) and in the staging of the German air attack on the fishing vessel and the ensuing scenes in the open boat. ... Elsewhere, the most obvious weaknesses are a certain overall flatness in the script and dialogue and unequal handling of the non-professional players. But, for all its signs of inexperience, this hommage to heroic deeds is presented without empty rhetoric or false pomp. And that is something to be grateful for." [3]
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "This appealing, life-like story of Anglo-Norwegian co-operation during the war has been straightforwardly and simply made and creates an atmosphere of truth to life. It is a reminder of inspiring actions done by ordinary folk who became temporary heroes. In its very simplicity, it holds attention and wins audience sympathies and will prove a useful booking for double-billing in general situations" [4]
Variety wrote: "Forlong has succeeded in a realistic treatment of his subject, in which the camera work of Per G. Jonson and Mattis Mathieson registers stirringly. Leif Larsen, one of the Norwegian captains during the gruelling days of the blockade running, portrays himself as an interesting figure. Balance of pro actors include Michael Aldridge, Atle Larsen, Per Christensen, T. W. Southam and Oscar Egede Nissen, each contributing to excellence of the story development. Howarth, Sidney Cole and Forlong's script-adaptation is a slick job of adventuring." [5]
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