The Frogmen

US (1951): Adventure/War/Drama

This is one of the best WW II films you'll ever see. The action is fast-paced and non-stop, the acting is fine, the special effects and editing are excellent and the deservedly Oscar^® nominated Cinematography is exceptional and often breathtaking. It is a fascinating look at the underwater demolition teams during that conflict. Although the plot is not new - new commander must win respect of his men, trying to follow in the footsteps of their former leader (now deceased), whom they idol-worshipped.

Richard Widmark shows more sensitivity and humility than he displays in most of his other roles and the ensemble team (including veterans Gary Merrill and Dana Andrews) work very well together. The camera work is often quite astonishing, as in the drop off and pick up sequences of the frogmen at high water speeds and in the underwater sequences. There is quite a lot of exposed beefcake for those audiences who watch these films for just such entertainment. Particularly memorable is Jeffrey Hunter in his third credited film role - his beauty is extraordinary and he shows an admirable acting ability. The sequence where he is trapped in sick bay with an unexploded torpedo rammed into the room while Widmark and Andrews try to disarm it has incredible tension. Lloyd Bacon directs for Fox. (Arne Andersen, IMDb)

 View the original theatrical trailer for this film on YouTube.com.

2 nominations