The Desert Rats
1953, English. Directed by Robert Wise.
They crawled their way across the blazing sands of Africa... to turn disaster into victory!
In North Africa, German Field Marshal Rommel and his troops have successfully fended off British forces, and now intend to take Tobruk, an important port city. A ramshackle group of Australian reinforcements sent to combat the Germans is put under the command of British Captain MacRoberts. The unruly Aussies immediately clash with MacRoberts, a gruff, strict disciplinarian, however this unorthodox team must band together to protect Tobruk from the German forces.
- Runtime
- 1h 28m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.3/10 from 106 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Desert Rats
The Desert Rats isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Robert WiseDirector
- Richard BurtonCaptain "Tammy" MacRoberts
- James MasonField Marshal Erwin von Rommel
- Robert NewtonTom Bartlett
- Robert DouglasGeneral
- Torin ThatcherCol. Barney White
- Chips RaffertySgt. "Blue" Smith
- Charles TingwellLt. Harry Carstairs
- Charles DavisPete
- Ben WrightMick
- Patrick AherneEnglish Officer (uncredited)
- John AldersonCorporal (uncredited)
- Frank BakerBritish Officer (uncredited)
Details
- Released
- 26 March 1953
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Richard Murphy
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Desert Rats: quick answers
Is The Desert Rats worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.3/10 from 106 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Desert Rats?
The Desert Rats runs 88 minutes (1h 28m).
Does The Desert Rats have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Desert Rats. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Desert Rats parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Desert Rats is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Desert Rats on?
The Desert Rats isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Desert Rats?
If you liked The Desert Rats, try Battleground, The Codes of War, Greyhound.
Who directed The Desert Rats?
The Desert Rats (1953) was directed by Robert Wise and stars Richard Burton, James Mason, Robert Newton.