It must have created some pride (and tears) when all the Navy's of the world gather together with their flag flying as they begin to fight for the cause of freedom and to destroy those trying to take away freedom. I don't recall having such a stir in my heart other than perhaps the gathering of the Hebrews in Egypt as they prepared to march to freedom guided by Moses in "The Ten Commandments". This deals with the survivors of a Nazi torpedoing of their merchant Marine ship and the determination to strike back add a vicious enemy with no value of human life outside their own. Humphrey Bogart and Raymond Massey join forces together, with Massey is the commander and Bogart as his right hand man, too easy-going he claims to crew members to command a ship, but under the thumb of Massey, it's an easy going command, although Massey is tough when he needs to be.
Certainly there are cliches in this World War II action drama, showing a little bit of Massey and Bogart's domestic life. Massey is reunited with his "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" co-star Ruth Gordon as the devoted wife who greets him lovingly and provides him all the Care he needs while he is on leave. Bogart gets the pretty Julie Bishop, a nightclub singer (scene singing the title song from the upcoming Cole Porter movie bio "Night and Day") and spontaneously marries her, causing instant attention when he has to go off for duty almost right away. Warner Brothers fills out the other roles with familiar contract players, among them Alan Hale Sr. (Memorably attempting to give Hitler a raspberry) and Jane Clark who courageously admits his fears and the desire to simply be home with his wife and children making an honest living.
But as the drama unfolds, he will begin to see what exactly he is fighting for, and that happens with some mesmerizing battle sequences involving various nations involved with the allies as Nazi torpedoes fly Full speed ahead, killing hundreds in the freezing Atlantic. The sailors show their tenderness and camaraderie, supporting one sailor who brings a kitten aboard, and sharing their deepest secrets with each other. It's absolutely written and lacking in extreme cliches which makes this an above-average entry in World War II propaganda films. Warner Brothers would make many films like this, among them "Air Force" and "Edge of Darkness" the same year, with classics like "Destination Tokyo" and "Pride of the Marines" yet to come.
Certainly there are cliches in this World War II action drama, showing a little bit of Massey and Bogart's domestic life. Massey is reunited with his "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" co-star Ruth Gordon as the devoted wife who greets him lovingly and provides him all the Care he needs while he is on leave. Bogart gets the pretty Julie Bishop, a nightclub singer (scene singing the title song from the upcoming Cole Porter movie bio "Night and Day") and spontaneously marries her, causing instant attention when he has to go off for duty almost right away. Warner Brothers fills out the other roles with familiar contract players, among them Alan Hale Sr. (Memorably attempting to give Hitler a raspberry) and Jane Clark who courageously admits his fears and the desire to simply be home with his wife and children making an honest living.
But as the drama unfolds, he will begin to see what exactly he is fighting for, and that happens with some mesmerizing battle sequences involving various nations involved with the allies as Nazi torpedoes fly Full speed ahead, killing hundreds in the freezing Atlantic. The sailors show their tenderness and camaraderie, supporting one sailor who brings a kitten aboard, and sharing their deepest secrets with each other. It's absolutely written and lacking in extreme cliches which makes this an above-average entry in World War II propaganda films. Warner Brothers would make many films like this, among them "Air Force" and "Edge of Darkness" the same year, with classics like "Destination Tokyo" and "Pride of the Marines" yet to come.