Watch Operation Pacific

John Wayne leads a team of submarine officers in the war in the Pacific during World War II in the 1951 film, Operation Pacific. Partnered with his friend and fellow officer Lieutenant Commander Bob Stuart (played by Ward Bond), Wayne’s Lieutenant Commander Duke E. Gifford strives to create the most effective wartime strategies, while tending to his crew and upholding perseverance in the face of adversity. Patricia Neal co-stars as the Navy Nurse Lieutenant Mary Stuart, the sister of Bond's character, whose romantic interest in Wayne's character is shared.

The film is a brilliant war drama that portrays the experiences of the crew of the USS Thunderfish. The submarine, commanded by Duke Gifford, is tasked with a dangerous mission during the war with Japan. Gifford and his men must cross the treacherous waters of the Pacific to destroy two enemy supply ships.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the depth of the characters’ stories. Gifford is a deeply emotional character who is conflicted between his duty as an officer and his compassion for his men. His emotional struggles are mirrored in the developing romance between his character and Lieutenant Mary Stuart. The romance adds an additional layer of tension to the plot, as Gifford’s loyalties are stretched between his duty to the mission and his love for Mary.

The subplot of the film also adds tremendous depth and excitement to the story. When a submarine is damaged, its crew consists of a group of men who are unable to fight, but are technically-trained experts in repairing the submarine. The climax of the movie builds on this idea, as Gifford and his crew must contend with both enemy ships and a sabotaged submarine, with only the repair team holding the key to the ship’s survival.

Operation Pacific combines an exciting plot with a realistic portrayal of the war in the Pacific during World War II. The film captures the grit and determination of the men who served aboard submarines during the war. It is particularly adept at exploring the psychological stresses that the men faced. These stresses are shown through Duke’s personal struggles, as well as through the relationships between the men on the submarine.

The film’s portrayal of the action during the war is also particularly commendable. The film makers made the effort to get the details right in regards to the equipment utilized on board. The film also accurately depicts the roles of the individual crew members and the brutality of the warfare they endured on their mission. The action of the film is tense and fast-paced, creating an enthralling viewing experience.

The cast of the film is another strength. John Wayne gives a powerful performance as Lieutenant Commander Duke Gifford, portraying the character’s strong leadership abilities as well as his emotional vulnerability with equal force. Patricia Neal, as the Navy Nurse Lieutenant Mary Stuart, provides a strong counterweight to Wayne’s Gifford, offering emotional and romantic support. Ward Bond is also excellent as Gifford's trusted friend, Lieutenant Commander Bob Stuart. As a whole, the cast creates a cohesive and believable portrayal of the struggles that the U.S. Navy’s submarines faced during the war in the Pacific.

In conclusion, Operation Pacific is a remarkable film that gets a lot right in its depiction of the U.S. submarines service during World War II. The film’s strength lies in its attention to detail, with the submarine equipment and role-playing of the crew being particularly accurate. The character portrayals are another high point, particularly the romantic subplot between Wayne and Neal’s characters, which adds emotional depth to the story. The action of the film, with its fast-paced naval battles and intricately woven subplot, creates an intense viewing experience for war drama aficionados. Overall, Operation Pacific is a classic film that is well worth a watch for its historical and cinematic personalizations of the war.

Operation Pacific is a 1951 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.