Crash Dive (1943)

En route to submarine duty in Washington, naval officer Lt. Stewart (Tyrone Power) meets the enchanting Jean Hewitt (Anne Baxter). He begins a whirlwind courtship, unaware she is already engaged to the commander (Dana Andrews) under whom he is about to serve. Just when both men learn they are in love with the same woman, they are forced to work closely on a dangerous commando raid against Nazi tankers.

Better Film Than One Expects

Tyrone Power was an actor who men admired and women desired as the saying goes in Hollywood. He had charm and a mischevious sensbility that just spilled right off the screen. On his way Washington, naval officer Lt. Stewart (Tyrone Power) meets Anne Baxter. But she happens to be engaged to his future commanding officer. Complications galore. Still, the two men have a common enemy despite their rivalry - those damned Nazis. They must head through northern Atlantic waters to destroy some Nazi storage tanks for fuel. The able James Gleason who always plays a great crusty chief works well in the cast.
October 7, 2008

EXCELLENT PERIOD PIECE MOVIE

I was born the year this movie was released, while the average American service man yet had 3 years or more left to serve. In fact, many American military men did not start returning home until 1946 or later, my father returned in '46 as well as my wife's whose USMC service continued from landing at Saipan and after the battle on to China.

This is a notable movie for a couple reasons: first, though by June, 1942, after the battle of Midway we were fairly certain the allies would prevail, D-Day in the ETO was still a year away. So when this movie was a wrap no one could be certain of the outcome of WWII, and as the final frames of the movie show War Bonds and stamps were still being sold in the local movie theatres.


Second, on the credits Tyrone Power is shown to be in the USNR and would soon go to active duty. Though this is a patriotic picture of mild cheer leading, the script itself is well told and only at picture's end do we receive a "well done" U.S. Navy speech.

Another mark of the movie's excellence is the rich color used in filming, at that time in WWII though some actual war footage was shot in color, the color process & film was still very expensive. So we have not only a well done film but one that was not low budget at all.

And though I am in my mid-60s, the years I spent with the USN/USMC on active duty never fail to give me a certain pride when viewing this movie. Call it what you will, it never fails to offer me a good feeling.

Other reviews mention the manner in which the Germans are depicted, and I agree that Hollywood at this time did not have a realistic fix on the Nazi war machine, with both the German uniforms and speech leaving much to be desired as to reality.

The film may have a few flaws, but very few, and for war entertainment captures the 1940 era very well, especially evidenced by that keen convertible Tyrone Power zips around in.

All in all, a good, sound WWII yarn and one that allows wonderful footage of the WWII 'pig boat' submarines. If you haven't seen this picture you might want to check it out. And I cannot agree with any review that says the film will soon be forgotten. While it may not be an award winning picture, it certainly is one of the better films in the FOX War Classics library.

Semper Fi. August 11, 2008

Better Film Than One Expects

Tyrone Power was an actor who men admired and women desired as the saying goes in Hollywood. He had charm and a mischevious sensbility that just spilled right off the screen. On his way Washington, naval officer Lt. Stewart (Tyrone Power) meets Anne Baxter. But she happens to be engaged to his future commanding officer. Complications galore. Still, the two men have a common enemy despite their rivalry - those damned Nazis. They must head through northern Atlantic waters to destroy some Nazi storage tanks for fuel. The able James Gleason who always plays a great crusty chief works well in the cast.

August 6, 2008

Tyrone Power and WWII

This is a Tyrone Power movie, everything and everyone else is background. There is nothing wrong with this since Tyrone Power is an excellent actor, as good as his press releases would have you believe, and he was attractive to say the least. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because of Dana Andrews, who I personally consider a weak actor. Anne Baxter, on the other hand, is Power's match in the acting arena (All About Eve, The Razor's Edge). She is not given the opportunity here with predictable lines and an unbelieveable wardrobe she manages to pack in a couple of suitcases for several days, as well as leaving her charges on their own until early morning while she dances and drinks with Mr. Power (who could blame her) at an embassy gathering. Although contrived, with Tyrone Power in the lead, you know it is contrived but you don't mind since he let's you know it is by the way he approaches the part.

On the military side, after all this is WWII, Ben Carter gives one of the more memorable performances as an AA aboard a submarine. Not only is he given a lot of screen time for a cook, he is an important part of the ship and the last scene with him and Tyrone Power swimming to the submarine together. They have to go underwater because of the oil on the surface and dialog is humorous and realistic. (Tyrone Power to Carter: "Do you know how to swim underwater?" Carter: "No, but I'm learning right now.") James Gleason is good and it has the usual Ra!Ra! at the end.

I think, for me, the movie touched on all those aspects of WWII that were so important at the time and have relevance today: Separation, relationships put on hold, events totally out of your control, death at any time, time at shore being jam packed because it doesn't last long and it may be your last time and the idea that the crew was a team.

Direction is excellent and Tyrone Power gives a master class at the end on patriotism masquerading as a speech about the Navy. All in all, Dame Mae Whitty, an excellent actress and perfect in this (as usual), adds to the humor and the fun.

I recorded it as soon as I could off TV. Now, I'm glad it's on DVD. Get your copy and watch it on a war movie night in your home, with plenty of wine (or beer) and lots of greasy popcorn. June 4, 2008

Crash Dive

I have a lot of military DVDs I wathced this movie years ago,I enjoyed it then and I enjoyed it again.I have alwaysliked Tyrone Power and have many of his DVD s. April 6, 2008

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