Watch Run Silent, Run Deep

In the 1958 war movie Run Silent, Run Deep, directed by Robert Wise, Captain “Rich” Richardson (Clark Gable), who lost his previous submarine and a third of his crew in a failed mission to sink a Japanese battleship, is obsessed with revenge. He is given command of a new submarine, the USS Nerka, and must prove his worth by completing the mission that eluded him before.

However, Richardson's mission is complicated by the presence of his executive officer, Lieutenant Burt Lancaster (Jim Bledsoe), who desperately wants command of his own submarine. The two men initially clash because Richardson is tough and exigent, pushing his crew to their limits, while Lancaster is more laid back and democratic. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Lancaster's wife, Maggie (Mary LaRoche), is on board as a nurse.

The USS Nerka is sent to Tokyo Bay to scout out the enemy’s movements and locate their naval base. They quickly come under attack from a Japanese destroyer and are forced to submerge. During the intense underwater battle, the Nerka loses some of its crew, including the navigator, leaving the submarine vulnerable to enemy detection.

While hiding underwater, Richardson hatches a dangerous plan to sink the Japanese battleship that he failed to destroy before. Lancaster initially opposes the plan but ultimately goes along with Richardson's plan. They sneak up on the enemy battleship nearly undetected and fire their torpedoes, but miss the target.

Richardson and Lancaster must then face the Japanese fleet with their damaged submarine, and they engage in another underwater battle. The depth charges and close calls bring the men to the brink of insanity, but they persevere, and the Nerka destroys five enemy ships in total.

Throughout the movie, the tension between Richardson and Lancaster builds until a final confrontation occurs. They reconcile, though, when a torpedo nearly kills Lancaster, and Richardson gives the order to surface and allow them to get away from the enemy. The movie ends with Lancaster being given his own command of a new submarine, and Richardson sailing away with Lancaster’s wife on his arm.

Run Silent, Run Deep is a thrilling war film that explores complex themes of loyalty, leadership, and revenge. The movie masterfully uses music, sound effects, and tension to immerse the audience in the intense underwater battles. The relationship between Richardson and Lancaster provides an engaging subplot that adds depth to the characters and the story.

The movie is also notable for its realistic portrayal of submarine warfare. The submarine interiors, maneuvers, and tactics are precisely depicted, thanks to the collaboration of technical experts and a meticulous attention to detail. The claustrophobic setting of the submarine adds an extra layer of suspense, creating a sense of confinement that heightens the drama.

The performances of Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster are noteworthy for their contrast in style. Gable's portrayal of a tough and determined captain is convincing, and he brings a level of intensity to the role that is perfectly suited to the character. Lancaster, on the other hand, offers a more understated performance but is no less compelling. His character is more reserved and introspective, but his quiet strength is a crucial element of the story.

Overall, Run Silent, Run Deep is an excellent example of a classic war movie that combines action, drama, and character development. It is a gripping story of courage, loyalty, and redemption that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Run Silent, Run Deep is a 1958 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 62.