Run Silent Run Deep [DVD]

There is something odd going on in a particular area of the Pacific in the second world war - American submarines are being lost at a fantastic rate. Clark Gable's Commander Richardson knows all about it, he lost his sub in that area. He has his suspicions as to how the Japanese are managing to take out so many submarines, and has a plan to counteract it. But he needs a submarine, and manages to get command of Nerka, much to the dismay of it's XO Bledsoe (Burt Lancaster) who had been promised command.

What follows is an entertaining tale as Richardson reveals his obsession with the Japanese destroyer that sank him, and drives the crew to breaking point to train them to take it down. Bledsoe is at first supportive, then tensions between the two erupt as he feels things go too far. It's well scripted, pacily directed with lots of great action sequences and a surprising amount of plot as the crew try to work out just how the Japanese are so successful at sinking their boats. The two leads are like immovable blocks of granite, all glowering moodiness, resolutely determined and titanic in their clashes.

So many submarine films owe so much to this excellent picture, especially Crimson Tide, which lifted the stand off between captain and second in command almost word for word from this classic.

An excellent film, heartily recommended to all fans of thrilling war films with a bit of plot and characterisation in them. Five stars.

United Artists presents "RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP" (1958) (93 min/B&W) -- Starring Clark Gable, Burt Lancaster, Jack Warden, Brad Dexter, Don Rickles & Nick Cravat

Directed by Robert Wise

The contrasting acting styles of Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster serve to increase the already high tension level of the WWII drama. Gable plays submarine commander "Rich" Richardson, who assumes command of the USS Nerka. Because his previous sub was sunk by the Japanese under highly suspect circumstances, Richardson inspires nothing but animosity from his new crew. Particularly hostile is executive officer Lt. Jim Bledsoe (Burt Lancaster), who'd assumed that he was next in line to command the Nerka. Obsessed with tracking down the Japanese destroyer that sank his old sub, Richardson drives his crew mercilessly, and even disobeys direct orders from his own higher-ups. The Nerka manages to blast the Japanese vessel out of the waters, but in so doing the sub is placed in dire peril in enemy waters. In his desperate efforts to save the Nerka, Richardson at long last wins the respect of Bledsoe and the rest of the crew.

Having served four years in the Navy myself aboard various ships, this is a top notch film.

Rightly considered to be the best submarine film ever made!

Featured in the cast are Burt Lancaster's old circus partner Nick Cravat, and, in his unbilled movie debut, Don Rickles.

Special footnote: -- Besides the pairing of two of Hollywood's screen legends, the film features the realism of using an actual ship of the line, the USS Redfish, for many of the shots. Also, the viewer has a chance to feel a part of the underwater tensions and claustrophobic conditions that submariners experienced during times of combat underwater. A must-see, or even better, a must buy film for those that enjoy films of this genre.

BIOS:
1. Robert Wise (Director)
Date of Birth: 10 September 1914 - Winchester, Indiana
Date of Death: 14 September 2005 - Los Angeles, California

2. Clark Gable (aka: William Clark Gable)
Date of birth: 1 February 1901 - Cadiz, Ohio,
Date of death: 16 November 1960 - Los Angeles, California

3. Burt Lancaster [aka: Burton Stephen Lancaster]
Date of Birth: 2 November 1913 - New York City, New York
Date of Death: 20 October 1994 - Century City, California

4. Jack Warden [aka: John H. Lebzelter]
Date of Birth: 18 September 1920 - Newark, New Jersey
Date of Death: 19 July 2006 - New York City, New York

5. Brad Dexter [aka: Boris Michel Soso]
Date of Birth: 9 April 1917 - Goldfield, Nevada
Date of Death: 12 December 2002 - Rancho Mirage, California

6. Don Rickles [aka: Donald Jay Rickles]
Date of Birth: 8 May 1926, New York City, New York
Date of Death: Unknown

7. Nick Cravat [aka: Nick Cuccia]
Date of Birth: 11 January 1912 - New York City, New York
Date of Death: 29 January 1994 - Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California

Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 5 Stars
Performance: 5 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 5 Stars
Overall: 5 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]

Total Time: 93 min on DVD ~ United Artists ~ (May 18, 1999)

We have Red October. Good film. We have Das Boot. Good film. Then we have Run Silent Run Deep. If you ever wanted to measure what being a man is now to what it was in the past this is the film to do so. Instead of no conversation because of Iphones, we see men at peril on the seas interacting in danger, and eventually succeeding in destroying an enemey who threatens there existence. For an example of what men should be, should act, and should lead by example this is the film to study. Any politician could learn so much from this lesson in example of positive action in a dangerous situation. A classic for sure. But put it in a modern context, and you have an answer to a difficult message. Discipline works and leads to victory. Politicians take note!