“Operation Pacific 1951” is a WWII drama that follows the captain of a submarine as he battles enemy ships and struggles with personal demons. With tense action sequences and powerful performances, this film is a gripping portrayal of the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the war. Despite setbacks and challenges, the crew remains determined to complete their mission and protect their country at all costs. In the end, they emerge victorious but scarred by the horrors of war.
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Review
The Power of Vulnerability in “Operation Pacific”
Have you ever watched a movie that made you feel deeply connected to the characters and their struggles? That inspired you to reflect on your own values, fears, and hopes? That entertained you with thrilling action, touching romance, and witty humor? If not, I recommend watching “Operation Pacific” (1951), a classic war drama directed by George Waggner and starring John Wayne, Patricia Neal, Ward Bond, and Philip Carey. Even if you don’t like war movies or old films, this one has something for everyone who loves human stories.
The storyline follows the crew of a submarine, the USS Thunderfish, during World War II in the Pacific Ocean. Led by Captain Pop Perry (Wayne), a tough but compassionate leader who lost his wife to a Japanese bombing raid years ago and who blends discipline with empathy for his men, the Thunderfish faces several challenges that test their skills and courage. They must rescue some American pilots downed by enemy fire in shark-infested waters; they must evade an enemy destroyer that hunts them relentlessly; they must repair their damaged engines without being detected; they must escort a hospital ship carrying wounded soldiers; and they must eliminate a secret Japanese base that threatens American troops. Along the way, they also deal with personal conflicts such as jealousy over a woman (Neal) who joins them as a nurse after her ship is sunk by the Japanese; mistrust between officers and enlisted men; grief over fallen comrades; and doubts about whether their sacrifices will make any difference in the outcome of the war.
The news about “Operation Pacific” was mixed at first. Some critics praised it as one of Wayne’s best performances in a war movie that balanced action with humanity and realism with patriotism. Others criticized it as predictable, clichéd, and too familiar compared to other war movies of its time. However, it became popular among audiences who appreciated its sense of camaraderie, heroism, and sacrifice as well as its colorful characters and exciting scenes. It also benefited from the catchy theme song “Operation Pacific” by Max Steiner, which added drama and intensity to the action sequences.
The plot of “Operation Pacific” has some historical basis. The submarine warfare in the Pacific during World War II was a crucial aspect of naval strategy for both the United States and Japan. The success of American submarines in sinking Japanese ships and disrupting their supplies helped to turn the tide against the Axis powers. However, it came at a high cost in terms of casualties, risks, and tensions between officers and enlisted men. The movie portrays some of these challenges realistically, while also emphasizing the courage and skill of the crews who operated under extreme conditions.
The casts of “Operation Pacific” are impressive in their range and depth. Wayne embodies both the toughness and tenderness of Perry, who struggles with his own emotional wounds while leading his men with authority and empathy. Neal portrays Mary Stuart, a resilient woman who finds herself torn between two men but also shows her own courage and compassion in treating wounded soldiers on board. Bond plays Wolf Brinkman, a gruff but loyal chief petty officer who has his own doubts about Perry’s decisions but also trusts his judgment in critical situations. Carey is Lt. Cmdr. Duke Gifford, a skilled submariner who clashes with Perry over professional matters but also respects him as a mentor and friend.
The quote “There are no wise guys on board this boat” reflects Perry’s philosophy about leading a tight-knit team that respects each other’s skills and backgrounds without any arrogance or insubordination that could endanger themselves or others. It also suggests that vulnerability is not weakness but rather a strength when it comes to trusting others with one’s vulnerabilities without fear or shame.
The acting and characters in “Operation Pacific” showcase some timeless themes about war, heroism, love, and leadership that resonate with human desires and fears. The history and score of the movie enhance the realism and emotion of the story without overwhelming it with trivia or sentimentality. The filming and cinematography capture the beauty and danger of life at sea during wartime with skillful use of light, angles, and transitions. The evaluation of the movie depends on one’s taste for war movies in general, but also on one’s appreciation for human stories that transcend genres.
The awards for “Operation Pacific” were modest but noteworthy. It received an Oscar nomination for Best Sound Recording in 1952, which reflects the importance of sound effects in heightening the drama and realism of war movies. It also won a Golden Reel award from the Motion Picture Sound Editors in 2007 as a classic example of submarine films that use sound creatively to convey tension and suspense.
The cinematography is notable for its use of natural light to create a sense of realism while also enhancing the mood and atmosphere of each scene. For example, some scenes are shot in low light to suggest secrecy or danger; others are bathed in sunlight to suggest hope or relief; still others are filmed underwater to suggest immersion or vulnerability. These choices help to immerse audiences into the world of submarines as well as remind them of their own primal fears and desires.
The opinion about “Operation Pacific” varies depending on one’s preferences for war movies that balance action with humanity, realism with sentimentality, patriotism with criticism. Some viewers may find it too slow-paced or predictable compared to other Wayne vehicles or other war movies like “Saving Private Ryan” or “Dunkirk”. Others may appreciate it as a nuanced portrayal of submarine warfare during World War II that shows both heroic acts and tragic losses without glorifying or demonizing either side.
The scenes that stand out in “Operation Pacific” include some thrilling action sequences like when the Thunderfish rescues the pilots and evades the destroyer; some poignant moments like when Perry opens up to Mary about his wife and shares a dance with her; some humorous moments like when Wolf teaches a new crew member how to shave without cutting himself; some tense moments like when Gifford defuses a torpedo that almost destroyed their own submarine. These scenes help to balance the tone and pace of the movie as well as showcase its strengths in dialogue, acting, and direction.
The gossip about “Operation Pacific” is scarce but interesting. Wayne reportedly had some disagreements with Waggner over the ending of the movie, which he thought was too upbeat and unrealistic compared to the risks and sacrifices that his character and others faced during their missions. However, he still agreed to finish the movie as planned and even improvised some lines that added more depth to his character’s motivations and emotions.
The soundtracks of “Operation Pacific” are notable for their use of drums, horns, strings, and voices that evoke both urgency and grandeur. The main theme by Steiner is catchy and memorable, with its mix of military marches, sweeping melodies, and patriotic lyrics that reflect the mood of America during World War II. The background music by Steiner also enhances each scene with subtle or bold choices that match the tempo or emotions of each moment.
The analysis of “Operation Pacific” can reveal some insights into human nature as well as historical events. For example, it shows how war affects not only soldiers but also civilians who get caught in it or support it from afar; how leadership can inspire or divide teams depending on their styles and values; how vulnerability can deepen trust and connection among people who face danger together; how sacrifice can have both personal costs and collective benefits depending on one’s perspective. It also highlights some ethical dilemmas about war such as whether killing enemy combatants is justified or necessary for winning a just war.
The special effects in “Operation Pacific” are impressive for their use of models, miniatures, and optical illusions that simulate submarine warfare with realism and scale. The crew had to design and build several sets and props that could withstand water, fire, and explosions without endangering the actors or damaging the equipment. They also had to coordinate their actions with the camera crew to capture the right angles and movements that would convey the sense of motion and depth needed for underwater scenes.
The development of “Operation Pacific” took several years, with multiple writers and directors involved in shaping the script and vision of the movie. Wayne himself had some input into the casting and direction of his character, as well as some suggestions about how to make the story more compelling and meaningful. Neal also had some creative differences with Waggner over her character’s role in the story, which she felt was too passive or stereotyped at times. However, they managed to work out their disagreements with professionalism and respect.
The dialogue in “Operation Pacific” is notable for its mix of humor, pathos, slang, technical jargon, and poetic imagery. It reflects both the culture of sailors during World War II as well as the personalities of each character who speaks it. For example, Perry’s lines are terse but eloquent; Gifford’s lines are witty but serious; Brinkman’s lines are gruff but affectionate; Mary Stuart’s lines are smart but flirtatious.
The crews who worked on “Operation Pacific” were many and varied. They included writers like George Worthing Yates, James Edward Grant, Richard Sale, Frank Wead; cinematographers like Bert Glennon; editors like William H. Ziegler; composers like Steiner; sound technicians like William R. Fox; set designers like Douglas Bacon; costume designers like Gwen Wakeling; makeup artists like Gordon Bau. Each contributed their talents and expertise to create a cohesive vision that would entertain audiences while also respecting the historical and emotional context of the movie.
The criticism of “Operation Pacific” is limited but relevant to some viewers who might find it too conventional or unrealistic compared to other war movies that explore more complex issues or perspectives. Some critics argue that the portrayal of Japanese characters is stereotyped or one-dimensional, lacking the nuance and empathy that other war movies like “Letters from Iwo Jima” or “Tora! Tora! Tora!” show towards their opponents. Others criticize the romance subplot between Mary Stuart and Duke Gifford as unnecessary or distracting from the main story, which deals with more urgent matters of survival and sacrifice.
The production of “Operation Pacific” was challenging but rewarding for all those involved. They had to deal with unpredictable weather, water conditions, technical difficulties, budget constraints, and creative conflicts while also maintaining a high level of professionalism and teamwork. They also had to face the reality of war as an ongoing event that affected their lives and careers as well as their art. However, they managed to create a movie that has stood the test of time as a tribute to the courage, honor, and dignity of those who served in submarines during World War II.
In conclusion, if Brené Brown were to write about “Operation Pacific,” she would likely emphasize its themes of vulnerability, courage, trust, connection, and sacrifice as well as its power to evoke empathy and reflection in its viewers. She would also appreciate its use of human stories to convey universal experiences that transcend time and place. She might say something like this:
“Watching ‘Operation Pacific’ reminds us how vulnerability can unite us in our shared humanity, whether we are fighting a war or facing our own struggles in life. It shows us how courage comes not only from physical strength but also from moral integrity and emotional resilience. It teaches us how trust is earned through honesty, consistency, and compassion towards others who are different from us. It inspires us to see sacrifice not as a burden but as a gift to others and ourselves, that can bring meaning and purpose to our lives. It invites us to reflect on our own values, fears, and hopes, and to connect with others who share them with us. In short, ‘Operation Pacific’ is more than a war movie; it’s a human movie that reminds us of what we can achieve together when we embrace vulnerability as a strength.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 111
- Release : 1951-01-27
- Genre : Drama, Action, War
- Cast : John Wayne as Duke E. Gifford, Patricia Neal as Mary Stuart, Ward Bond as John “Pop” Perry, Scott Forbes as Larry, Philip Carey as Bob Perry
- Crew : Max Steiner as Original Music Composer, Francis J. Scheid as Sound, Gordon Bau as Makeup Artist, Alan Crosland, Jr. as Editor, Bert Glennon as Director of Photography
- Popularity 6.105
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Warner Bros. Pictures
- Summary : During WWII, Duke E. Gifford is second in command of the USS Thunderfish, a submarine which is firing off torpedoes that either explode too early or never explode at all. It’s a dilemma that he’ll eventually take up personally. Even more personal is his quest to win back his ex-wife, a nurse; but he’ll have to win her back from a navy flier who also happens to be his commander’s little brother.
- Tagline : He’s Skipper “Duke” Gifford Who Could Put A Torpedo Through A Needle…And Sew Up A Date With A Laugh!
