Crash Dive (1943)

Tyrone, Dana and Anne in choppy waters.

Crash Dive is directed by Archie Mayo and written by Jo Swerling and W.R. Burnett. It stars Tyrone Power, Dana Andrews, Anne Baxter, James Gleason, May Whitty and Harry Morgan. A Technicolor production out of 20th Century Fox, music is by David Buttolph and cinematography by Leon Shamroy.

It’s flag waving time, 1943 style as Power and Andrews vie for the love of Baxter whilst conducting a submarine offensive against the Nazis. The love triangle feels twee but Mayo manages to keep it in check and not let it bog this particular sub movie down. When the pic is out on the water it’s grand entertainment, nicely filmed and featuring Oscar winning effects work. Momentum is gradually built until the finale comes and delivers an action packed bonanza. Hooray! 7/10

Well I cannot say there is very much original in this wartime pick-me-up that sees Tyrone Power battle the enemy whilst trying to win the gal. That latter battle isn't made any easier by the fact that his superior is also quite keen! "Lt. Stewart" (Power) is a torpedo boat man who, much to his chagrin, is made the XO on the submarine commanded by "Dewey Connors" (Dana Andrews). Just before his first mission aboard, he encounters the charming "Jean" (Anne Baxter) and takes a shine to her, unaware that she is already spoken for. What now ensues is a rather unremarkable romantic drama with precious little at-sea action, that follows the very gently propagandist model of many films made around this time. It's all about feeling good, looking good, and - of course - whooping their foes. That latter part involves a daring raid on a German base that is only going to get further complicated by the all but open hostility between our two rutting stags. Can they put their differences aside and get the job done? It's fine for a studio based drama and if anyone deserves any acting plaudits, it's James Gleason as the gritty and determined "Chief Mac". I love submarine films usually, but this is all just a bit too slushy and, I'm afraid, forgettable.