The Rats of Tobruk is Charles Chauvel’s 1944 cinematic account of the Battle of Rommel during the Second World War.
It is a tour de force of Australian filmmaking, telling the the powerful story of three soldiers brought together by the fortunes of war. It is set against the backdrop of the legendary defence of the North African city of Tobruk by Australian infantry forces.
Produced to lift the morale of a war weary nation as the tide of victory was turning, the film is a heartfelt tribute to the Australian fighting spirit, and conveys a sense of realism and authenticity.
