I don't think anyone has mentioned "Crash Dive" yet. The cast is superb. Dana Andrews is absolutely wonderful as Dewey Connors, but Tyrone Power shines as Ward Stewart. Lol, I always think men look very nice in military uniforms, lol. Well, Tyrone Power is gorgeous when he's all decked out in that Naval uniform. I think that Tyrone Power and Anne Baxter aka Jean Hewlett work beautifully together. The thing that I love about those two is the gentle two-way give and take - he tries to court her and she rebuffs him. But once the romance gets underway, it's a pleasure! I love the little things like when he is driving to see his grandmother, who is beautifully played by Dame May Whitty. Tyrone Power looks over at Anne Baxter and gets that look in his eye (lol, you know the one!) and sings "Don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me."

Carolyn

This is one of my favorites. I thought it well done and I like the chemistry between Ty and Anne Baxter. I love that scene on the train in the sleeping compartments. Pretty racy for that era, but so was the scene in Black Swan when he tries to look up Maureen's skirt!

Another one with eye-popping color! Gorgeous and there's not many times you can say that for a war (themed) film.

I enjoyed Crash Dive though the characterization of Tyrone as a charming rogue is a bit tired by now. And the action scenes a little too James Bond-ish. What's really striking about the film (besides the Technicolor) is the featured role played by actor-musician Ben Carter, who not only develops a genuine friendship with James Gleason's character, but is given a weapon and goes along on the raid. This role was very unusual opportunity for an African-American actor in a major studio picture at that time.

Darryl F. Zanuck (in a memo dated April 23, 1942 to producer Milton Sperling) on Crash Dive:

I like Crash Dive very much as a basic springboard for another exciting and unusual technicolor service picture. It will be the first submarine picture that uses color and I think that we can get some very effective underwater shots as well as [Fred] Sersen miniature shots.

Basically, it is a formula story but we have found out in To the Shores of Tripoli [1942, starring Maureen O'Hara and John Payne] that if the background and atmosphere are interesting, if the theme is patriotic, if the action is exciting, and if you have good comedy values, the fact that the plot is A-B-C doesn't make the slightest difference. Tripoli is continuing to make a bum out of every picture we have made in the last three years [at the box office], including How Green Was My Valley, and nobody can accuse us of any great originality as far as plot or characters are concerned... The picture was filled with good writing by Lamar Trotti, The characters, while formula were honest..

Hi Peachtreegal,

I agree about the friendship between Ben Carter and James Gleason. Those are some of the most touching moments in this movie. Both actors portray characters who are very genuine and down to earth. As for Tyrone Power, I don't think that image is tired at all. Yes, we see him over and over again as the most handsome, most romantic, most charming rougue, but that's his great strength. Lol, I never grow tired of watching him romance the women!

Carolyn

I love it when Ty romances the women, but I've never been one for bad boy types. :) Watching A Yank in the RAF is hard going for me, even though it's a beautifully made film and I ADORE Betty Grable (she is one of my all-time top favorites). How anyone could treat Betty like "a worm" is beyond me! If I were a guy I'd be worshipping at her feet. :) Or The Black Swan -- I cringe when Ty punches Maureen O'Hara to the ground just because she doesn't want a kiss forced on her, or pushes her to the ground and straddles her, or kidnaps her. Then he's good when the plot requires him to be good and so she can fall in love with him in the end, though even that requires submission and she has to call him "Jamie" three times. I do like Dion in In Old Chicago because he is passionate about the Patch and I can understand that passion -- same with Alexander, because for him his music is all, and he really does love Stella. And I can understand Juan in Blood and Sand, because he's in Rita Hayworth's hypnotic thrall. :)

By the way, in the original novel of The Black Swan, the Jamie character (called Charles de Bernis in the novel) is a consummate gentleman who treats Priscilla (Margaret in the movie) with the greatest consideration, and doesn't dare hope for her hand, as he has a scandalous pirate past and she is a lady. But she proves she's a true lady by caring not a whit about his past, and falling in love him for his strength, gentility, intelligence and nerve. I'd like to see THAT movie. :)

Hi Peachtreegal,

Well, I guess there are many women who find bad guys more appealing. I guess there is kind of an aura, an excitement that isn't present with someone who is more stable and down to earth. Maybe more stable guys are more boring for some women. Whether Tyrone Power is cast as bad or good, it makes no difference to me because he does it all so well. Again, he is the ultimate romancer. And, lol, I don't care if Maureen O'Hara has to say "Jamie" three times. I still love Tyrone Power!

Carolyn

Good point or points, Carolyn.

Definitely have to love that guy!

I don't know I may have to disagree with you on this one Carolyn as it seemed that it was the type of role that Fox gave him all too often. The standouts from these early 40's years, to this viewer at least were Blood/Sand, Mark of Zorro (!!) and This Above All (he truly went against type with that one)

I watched this this past weekend. Really an excellent film! Adding to my list of top favorites.

It really is. As many times as I've seen it up to now, it never wears thin.

By the way, in the original novel of The Black Swan, the Jamie character (called Charles de Bernis in the novel) is a consummate gentleman who treats Priscilla (Margaret in the movie) with the greatest consideration......But she proves she's a true lady by caring not a whit about his past, and falling in love him for his strength, gentility, intelligence and nerve. I'd like to see THAT movie. :)

Wow, would like to see that indeed!!! MUCH sexier as well, I think :-)!

I'm ashamed to admit that it's been years (!) since I've seen the film and as a result don't recall Ben Carter. Clearly, long overdue for a viewing.

Zanuck seemed to be right on the money ("formula film") with is assessment regarding the film (he really was a cut above the movie moguls of the day, imho, as he was a filmmaker as well) concentrating on the Technicolor photography with was really the real star of the film, I thought.

I agree with your conclusion regarding the character TP played; a road much travelled upon at that point.