Starring: Richard Widmark, Dana Andrews, Gary Merrill, Jeffrey Hunter, Warren Stevens Directed By: Lloyd Bacon Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, NTSC Label: 20th Century Fox Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: May 24, 2005 Running Time: 96 minutes Theatrical Release Date: 1951
Amazon.com: Richard Widmark plays Lt. Commander John Lawrence, a sympathetic but unfairly disliked leader of a group of Navy underwater demolition experts in the fascinating World War II drama The Frogmen. Basically a story written around some authentic Navy footage of real frogmen in action, the film is full of daring maneuvers that (even when occasionally simulated) reveal much about the clandestine operations of frogmen as they engage in reconnaissance and ambushing missions, sometimes under cover of night. As such, The Frogmen will delight Navy buffs, but the very human tale of a commanding officer losing the respect of his men for reasons he can't help is universally compelling. Dana Andrews and Jeffrey Hunter play two of the men under Lawrence's command who request transfers after Widmark's officer proves a little more by-the-book than their previous, much-beloved boss. Gary Merrill has a nice supporting role as a ship's reflective, pipe-chewing commander who befriends Lawrence and helps him get through a tough time. There are several, nicely suspenseful set pieces, including a harrowing scene involving an unexploded torpedo sticking its nose into sick bay (while a major character is helpless to flee). --Tom Keogh
Into the Deep end of the Pool I had never heard of this movie until it popped up as an Amazon recommendation, and I read purchaser reviews of it. I'm glad I was guided by those reviews.
It's a well written and well acted little movie about a WWII UDT team accustoming themselves to a new leader, who replaces a very popular leader who died in action. Richard Widmark is great as the somewhat stiff and by the book new officer. So too is Dana Andrews as the chief petty officer who will become the linch pin around the eventual acceptance of the new leader by the team. In between, however, there is a lot of friction between them,
As an avid SCUBA diver, I found it interesting how primative and minimal the UDT teams equipment was. The underwater photography was suprisingly well done for the time, although probably done in a back lot pool, as there was not a fish in sight.
If you like human drama as much as load explosions, give this one a try.
Learn something new from this film! Just goes to show that some little-known films are little gems, and this one is no exception. Very enjoyable and educational. Widmark, as usual, right on the mark, demonstrating that he could handle 'good guy' roles as well. Nice to see Gary Merrill again too. Interesting that the Navy Frogmen operations and proceedures were given the okay to be shown to the wide public at that time.
Typical War Movie !! "Frogmen" is a typical run of the mill color war movie from the 1950s !
With two of my favorite actors in Dana Andrew and Richard Widmark, it shows if the storyline is flat that even great actors cannot help it. The guys don't like their new C.O. and then he does something brave and now they love him. It is nice to see one of the few movies Jeffery Hunter made !
I think Widmarks and Andrews roles should have been switched.
Fascinating I am a grandmother and I orderd this movie for my son who is a scuba diver. He's not getting it, I'm keeping it. Once again Widmark shows newer actors how it's done.
An oldie but a goodie This one has a good solid storyline with some great performances by the leading roles.Even though its is in B/W its in great condition and if you like WW2 action its certianly worth watching.
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