The Key (1958 film)

The Key is a 1958 British war film directed by Sir Carol Reed, based on the 1951 novel Stella by Jan de Hartog. The film stars William Holden, Sophia Loren, and Trevor Howard.

The film is set during World War II and focuses on the dangerous lives of the men who manned the tugboats that were tasked with rescuing damaged ships in the English Channel. The storyline revolves around the superstitious belief that the "key" to a particular apartment is passed on to the next tugboat captain after the previous one is killed in action. The apartment and the woman residing there, Stella, become symbols of both solace and impending doom.

Holden plays Captain David Ross, a taciturn American tugboat captain who takes possession of the key after his predecessor is killed. He finds himself falling in love with Stella (Loren), a war widow whose previous lovers have all been killed at sea. Howard plays Chris Ford, Ross's cynical and weary colleague, who attempts to guide Ross through the complexities of his new role and relationship.

The film is known for its realistic portrayal of the dangers faced by the tugboat crews and for its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the psychological impact of war. The Key received positive reviews and was nominated for three BAFTA Awards, including Best British Film and Best Film from any Source.