A simple model for the cracked cylindrical shell, which employs only familiar concepts from applied mechanics, gives insight into the effects of cracks on structural response. The model provides analytical expressions for plane-strain bending deformations induced by the cracks and enables qualitative and quantitative generalizations to be made about the effects of different sizes and numbers of cracks and different loading conditions. These bending deformations, which are absent in a uniformly pressurized flawless shell, can dominate the response of a deeply cracked shell. The simple model may be calibrated with only two static deflection measurements made on a real shell or determined from a finite element model Then the dynamic response is easily established for arbitrary time-dependent loadings. The predictions of the simple model are in agreement with finite element results and provide conservative bounds on the additional elastic bending deflections induced by cracks in reactor vessels, piping, and other shell-like components.