Watch Crash Dive

The 1943 film Crash Dive is a thrilling war drama set during the height of World War II. Starring the likes of Tyrone Power, Anne Baxter and Dana Andrews, the movie follows the story of a skilled submarine commander, Lt. Cmdr. Dewey Connors (Tyrone Power), as he leads his crew on a dangerous mission to destroy a Japanese aircraft carrier.

The film opens with a spectacular explosion as the USS Corsair is bombed by Japanese planes while on patrol in the Pacific Ocean. Lt. Cmdr. Connors, who was onboard the Corsair and managed to survive the attack, is ordered to report to the submarine base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. There, he is given command of the USS Eel, a new experimental submarine, and is tasked with carrying out a crucial mission to sink the Japanese carrier Kaga.

The crew of the Eel is made up of a motley group of characters, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. There's the always-smiling and optimistic Torpedoman's Mate Frenchy Shapiro (Frankie Thomas), the gruff and no-nonsense Chief Warrant Officer Oliver Cromwell (James Gleason), the brash and impulsive Torpedoman's Mate 'Banger' Dugan (Scott McKay), and the bookish and introverted Ensign Harry Marlowe (Dana Andrews), among others. Together, they set out on their perilous mission, facing enemy warships, depth charges, and a host of other dangers along the way.

As they journey deeper into enemy waters, tension begins to mount among the crew. Lt. Cmdr. Connors clashes with Ensign Marlowe, who he sees as untested and cowardly, while tensions simmer between crew members due to their cramped living conditions and long separation from their loved ones back home. The crew must also grapple with their own mortality as they face a constant barrage of enemy fire that threatens to sink the Eel at any moment.

Despite these challenges, Lt. Cmdr. Connors remains steadfast in his mission to destroy the Kaga. With the aid of his skilled crew, he maneuvers the Eel into position for a surprise attack on the carrier. However, as they prepare to launch their torpedoes, a technical malfunction plunges the submarine into grave danger, forcing the crew to rely on their ingenuity and bravery to survive.

Throughout the film, the acting is top notch, particularly by Tyrone Power who delivers a commanding performance as the steely but compassionate Lt. Cmdr. Connors. Anne Baxter provides strong support as the love interest to Power's character, playing a nurse who supports the crew in their mission. The film is also notable for its impressive action scenes, including the intense underwater battle between the Eel and a Japanese destroyer.

Overall, Crash Dive is a well-crafted and exciting war movie that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. Its themes of bravery, sacrifice, and comradery are timeless, and the movie stands as a testament to the courage of the men and women who fought and died in World War II.

Crash Dive is a 1943 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.