MOVIE REVIEW
Submarine Command
Approved -     

Genre: Drama, War
Year Released: 1951, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): John Farrow
Writer(s): Jonathan Latimer
Cast: William Holden, Nancy Olson, William Bendix, Don Taylor, Don Taylor, Arthur Franz, Darryl Hickman, Peggy Webber, Moroni Olsen, Jack Kelly, Jerry Paris
Where To Watch: available May 14, 2024, pre-order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Don't be fooled by the vintage feel; SUBMARINE COMMAND transcends its era to tackle the even more relevant issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a time when little was known about it. With director John Farrow and screenwriter Jonathan Latimer at the helm, this film navigates the deep and turbulent waters of war's lasting psychological scars.

In the thrashing depths of World War II, Lieutenant Commander Ken White, played by William Holden, faces a daunting decision aboard the USS Tiger Shark. As enemy bombers loom, his crucial command to dive not only spares his crew from immediate danger but also triggers a cascade of personal losses that will forever stick with him. This fateful decision steers White into a churning sea of personal and psychological conflict that persists long after the war ends.

Elevated unexpectedly in rank, White finds little joy in his new status. The haunting memories of his decisions at sea cast long shadows over his peacetime existence, eroding the foundations of his marriage with Carol, portrayed by Nancy Olson. Struggling in a stifling desk job, White’s past continues to ripple through his life until the outbreak of the Korean War summons him back to active duty and the command of the Tiger Shark, plunging him once again into the depths of his unresolved trauma.

As the Korean War intensifies, SUBMARINE COMMAND skillfully parallels White's internal strife with external military conflicts. The film illustrates the enduring psychological impacts of his decisions through sharp narrative arcs and robust performances. William Bendix as Boyer, a crew member embittered by past missions, and Don Taylor as Pete, who seeks solace in camaraderie, infuses the story with complexity and realism. The rest of the cast, including Jack Kelly, Arthur Franz, Darryl Hickman, and others, brings a specific dynamic to the film, each contributing to the exploration of naval life portrayed on screen.

SUBMARINE COMMAND is an intense psychological dive into a world few would fully realize. Shot on actual Navy vessels, the film's battle scenes resonate with an authenticity that amplifies the tension and stakes, bringing the hardships of naval life into stark relief. Combined with rigorous adherence to military protocol, these sequences elevate the film beyond mere historical re-enactment to a vivid portrayal of life and survival at sea. While the movie suffers from some narrative missteps and a few pacing issues, the content makes this a piece of history in wartime cinema.

In conclusion, SUBMARINE COMMAND presents a deep, resonant exploration of the memories, both seen and unseen, left by combat. This early foray into the cinematic portrayal of PTSD offers a poignant reminder that the battles fought in the mind are as enduring and challenging as those fought on the battlefield. It invites contemporary audiences to reflect on the personal costs of war, making it an essential viewing for those interested in the intersection of history, psychology, and cinema.

Product Extras:
2020 HD Master by Paramount Pictures – From a 4K Scan
NEW Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Combat Films: American Realism Author Steven Jay Rubin
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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