Up Periscope

Released in 1959, Up Periscope is an engrossing mix of action, adventure, and wartime drama that centers around the experiences of a U.S. Navy frogman, adeptly portrayed by the engaging James Garner. This classic film was directed by Gordon Douglas, whose prolific career spanned multiple decades and encompassed a broad range of genres.

Garner takes on the lead role of Lieutenant Kenneth M. Braden, a naval officer who has a reputation for being something of a maverick. He brings his charm, charisma, and wit to an archetype that could've otherwise been one-dimensional, offering an admirable balance between the character's duty-bound faction and his more devil-may-care attitudes.

Supporting Garner, Edmond O'Brien delivers a compelling performance as Commander Stevenson. Then there's Andra Martin, the main female lead, who shines in her role as Sally Johnson. She effectively adds a factor of romance to the tale and complements the predominantly military-focused narrative.

The story starts as Lt. Braden is ordered to embark on a perilous mission during World War II. His unconventional assignment requires him to report to submarine duty, a stark departure from his usual activities as a frogman. Braden, ever ready for an adventure, acquiesces to the challenge. He is assigned to the USS Blackfin, a submarine designated for a critical mission in the Pacific Theater.

However, not everything about Braden's mission is straightforward, and there's an undercurrent of suspense that intensifies as the plot progresses. While navigating the dynamics of the submarine crew and the oppressive confines of the underwater vessel, Braden is also confronted by the complexities and dangers of his primary mission.

Commander Stevenson, played by O'Brien, is the authoritative figure who helms the USS Blackfin. He is a by-the-book officer who often finds himself at odds with Braden's more easygoing and rule-bending approach. Their interaction brings elements of interpersonal conflict to the already tension-filled atmosphere, and the drama within the submarine is almost as gripping as the external conflict they face.

As Braden's girlfriend, Martin's Sally Johnson is the epitome of the steady, waiting woman, offering a portrait of normal life and hopes for the future outside the conflict. Her sequences add a backdrop of romance that works to deepen our understanding of Lt. Braden's character, shedding light on what motivates him when he's in the field.

Throughout the movie, there's a constant sense of anticipation that keeps viewers engrossed, a tribute to the straightforward but effective storytelling technique employed by director Douglas. The film is generously sprinkled with gripping underwater scenes, intense conversation between crew members, and high-powered action sequences, all of which serve to emphasize the danger and urgency of the mission.

The palpable tension is further escalated by the unspoken awareness that failure is not an option, and the cost of any mistake could be unfathomably high. As the narrative unfolds, the audience is made to understand that Broden’s mission isn’t just another military operation; it's a crucial task with the potential to tip the balance of power during the war.

Cinematically, Up Periscope includes images of the lush Pacific islands and shots from within the claustrophobic confines of the submarine. These visuals, in conjunction with the dramatic score and effective use of sound, help to induce a tangible sense of the surroundings, lending an element of authenticism to the film that persists even for viewers in the present day.

Despite being over six decades old, Up Periscope stands as a gripping portrayal of naval warfare, submarine life, and the role of special operatives during World War II. Garner's portrayal of Lt. Braden is a memorable one, blending a sense of heroism with an authenticity that makes you root for his character every step of the way. Supported by a solid cast and a gripping narrative, Up Periscope is a film that continues to hold its own as an enduring representation of mid-twentieth-century war cinema.