Operation Petticoat

Operation Petticoat, a comedy-war film set in World War II, is a cinematic gem from 1959. Directed by the legendary Blake Edwards and featuring ingenious performances by the iconic Cary Grant, suave Tony Curtis, and vivacious Joan O’Brien, the film stands as a vibrant testament to the classic era of Hollywood and its prowess in churning out stories packing humor, charm, and drama in delightful harmony.

The film traces the trajectory of the USS Sea Tiger, a submarine that's decidedly seen better days. Helmed by the commendably stoic Lieutenant Commander Matt Sherman (played with aplomb by Cary Grant), the Sea Tiger finds itself in the thick of the cacophonous and lethal theater of war. Hamstrung by critical damages as a result of an enemy air raid, the vessel is on the verge of being decommissioned, much to the chagrin of Sherman. The overlapping shades of comedy and drama unfold when Sherman, adamant on putting the Sea Tiger back into combat duty, seeks the assistance of Lieutenant Nick Holden (an effervescent Tony Curtis), a new officer who is more accustomed to the comfort and decadence of his previous posting rather than the grueling demands of naval warfare.

The course of the film documents the quirky misadventures of this unlikely duo as they strive to renovate the beleaguered submarine. From smuggling, bartering, to outright thievery, Holden utilizes every resourceful trick in his book to acquire the much-needed supplies to revamp the Sea Tiger. Curtis, suave and sly, plays his character with an endearing light-heartedness, crafting a memorable persona that makes an indelible mark.

Further escalating the comedic tension is the unexpected arrival of five army nurses onboard. The sudden inclusion of female presence within the submarine's cramped and male-dominated confines triggers a series of hilarious predicaments, testing the sanity of officers and the resilience of maritime regulations. Joan O'Brien, who plays one of the nurses, lends a lively and engaging performance to the story, injecting a dash of romantic warmth into the narrative's comic chaos.

Cary Grant, a titan of the silver screen, gives an effortless performance as the exasperated, yet unyielding commander, bound by a code of honor, bureaucracy and surreal realities of war. His chemistry with Curtis is remarkable and forms the backbone of the story. Each encounter, every dialogue, and their progressively strengthening camaraderie adds to the joy of this whimsical warship journey.

Edwards' direction brings out the best from his stellar cast and makes a significant contribution to the story. Raw, inimitable humor, coupled with fascinating characterization and a surprisingly robust storyline, set Operation Petticoat apart from typical war-based dramas. Rather than intense battle sequences and diplomatic tension, the film primarily focuses on individuals, their personal growth, and their hilariously creative solutions to unconventional problems they encounter.

Operation Petticoat is not your typical war movie; it's a slice-of-life comedic exploration of human resilience and adaptability, even in the face of drastic adversities and farcical existential conundrums. The film's success primarily banks on its ability to extract humor from such bizarre circumstances, coupled with its capability to weave a tapestry of larger-than-life characters that are, paradoxically, incredibly relatable. The viewer is invited not merely to watch the narrative but to participate in its absurdities and delights.

Packed with outrageous scenarios, sharp dialogue, and an overall feel-good vibe, Operation Petticoat, more than six decades after its release, still enjoys a fond spot in the pantheon of American classic cinema. The brilliance of its stellar performances, effective humor, and endearing plot render it an unforgettable watch, resonating equally with hardcore cinephiles and casual moviegoers. Operation Petticoat stands as an invigorating testament to the inimitable charm of Golden-Age Hollywood and its timeless ability to enchant, amuse and provoke thought. The movie encapsulates a delightful blend of high-seas adventures, old-school comedy, and stirring wartime drama, while the ensemble cast delivers top-tier performances that tie it all together in an unforgettable cinematic endeavor. Operation Petticoat truly is an enduring classic, as entertaining today as it was in 1959.