The Atomic Submarine

The Atomic Submarine is a classic 1959 black-and-white science fiction feature film, directed by Spencer Gordon Bennett with a star-studded cast featuring Arthur Franz, Dick Foran, and Brett Halsey. With a captivating fusion of Cold War drama, disaster, and extraterrestrial life themes, the film serves as an exquisite window into the era's imaginative storytelling.

The film's focal point is the USS Tiger Shark, an atomic submarine in an alternative 1968 setting. The submarine is exceptionally futuristic, equipped with pathbreaking scientific advancements of that era, housed in a sleek exterior. Arthur Franz capably takes on the role of Lieutenant Commander Richard 'Reef' Holloway, the Tiger Shark's confident and capable submarine officer. Franz's portrayal of the bravery, defiance, and patriotic spirit exudes the heroic appeal that anchors the audience throughout the movie.

Also starring in this suspenseful adventure is Dick Foran, who illuminates the screen as Commander Dan Wendover, the dedicated skipper of the Tiger Shark. He exudes an admirable nobility coupled with a potent steadfastness, particularly central in more challenging sequences. Around him, Brett Halsey, as Lieutenant David Milburn, injects a dose of youthful energy, ambition, and vitality, building an unfailing camaraderie and an alluring charm.

The plot initially revolves around a series of unfortunate and mysterious sinkings occurring in the Arctic Ocean. Fueled by the prevailing Cold War tensions of the time, the screenplay smartly plays upon the specter of Soviet incursion. However, the causes behind these maritime disasters are far removed from geopolitical wranglerings. The engineers of these incidents emerge from the vast, unexplored abyss of the ocean, striking a cord with the viewer's curious imaginations.

The movie's strong point lies in the way it presents its science fiction elements, managing to insert alien concerns into a geopolitically tense narrative. The film successfully captivates audiences with its nods to the alien genre, while the technological marvel of the submarine and the ominous threats it faces provide an added layer of excitement and intrigue.

Compounding the film's charm is the crisp and stark black-and-white cinematography, transporting one to the thrilling era of nuclear energy and cold war anxiety. The camerawork is transformative, transforming the confines of a submarine into a space of potent suspense and claustrophobic terror.

The production design and special effects are especially commendable, given its time. The USS Tiger Shark, despite its alienating setting, is depicted with remarkable accuracy and minute attention to detail. Equally striking are the effects used to denote alien presence and underwater attacks, providing a visually arresting alloy of fear and fascination.

The Atomic Submarine effortlessly blends drama, suspense, and surprise into a cohesive narrative, creating a concoction of human emotions. It punctuates every plot twist with unique concern by providing a nuanced interplay of characters – from Tom Conway's brilliant turn as revered scientist Sir Ian Hunt to Bob Steele's tormented performance as the ship's haunted sonarman, Griff.

The film makes a sturdy commentary on the military-industrial complex and the concept of warfare in a world reeling under the specter of nuclear obliteration, thus, placing it within the broader grain of anti-war films. It doesn't range far away from the social issues of the 50s and 60s, incorporating themes of existential angst and a growing disillusionment with the facelessness of technological advancement.

The Atomic Submarine is peppered with verbal and visual wit, which, coupled with sharp dialogue and smart pacing make it a standout amongst 1950s B-movies. It also captures the era's paranoia about the onslaught of unknown, internal, and external threats.

Overall, this film is a compelling insight into a period of transition and tension—delivering a narrative that is as riveting as it is reflective. It strikes the perfect balance between expressing the anxieties of the time while projecting hope and resilience through its characters. The Atomic Submarine thus transcends the run-of-the-mill sci-fi thriller genre, offering instead a thought-provoking journey wrapped in undiluted entertainment.