One of the great submarine thrillers of all time, 1958's Run Silent, Run Deep—based on the same-titled novel by U.S. Navy Cmdr. Edward L. Beach Jr.—forges an interesting character drama out of a familiar situation. Clark Gable plays veteran commander “Rich” Richardson, relegated to desk duty after his sub was blown up by a Japanese destroyer. When another vessel loses its captain, Richardson uses his influence to become skipper, delaying a promised promotion to respected executive officer Lt. Jim Bledsoe (Burt Lancaster). That decision doesn't sit well with the crewmen, who resent the old guy's interference and his endless drilling, and for a while it looks like director Robert Wise is heading into The Caine Mutiny territory—at least until Richardson's endgame becomes clear: he wants to get the destroyer that sunk his command and three subsequent submarines. Wise crafts a traditional, no-nonsense film that unfolds at a deliberate pace, with the crew coming together under a vision, while wartime tactics and gamesmanship lead to plenty of action, including lots of hunkering down as depth charges explode in the surrounding waters (the film also features enjoyable miniature work). Solid performances from supporting cast members, including Jack Warden and Don Rickles, back up the two stars colliding onscreen. Previously available on DVD, Run Silent, Run Deep has been newly remastered for DVD and Blu-ray. Sure to appeal to fans of classic Hollywood fare, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Run Silent, Run Deep
Kino Lorber, 93 min., not rated, DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $29.95 Volume 30, Issue 1
Run Silent, Run Deep
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