writers_reign A 'war' movie with virtually no 'action' is a new one on me. Okay it was done in Mr. Roberts but the vessel in Mr. Roberts was a supply ship and, by definition, operating away from the action whilst the submarine here is definitely in combat. Despite the lack of combat it keeps us interested via the obligatory Hollywood 'bomber crew' slant which offers as many diverse types as possible. Cary Grant - still doing his best in 1943 to avoid returning to England and enlist in the REAL armed forces unlike David Niven - is excellent as the captain as is John Garfield in his signature wise guy persona and, if it comes to that, the majority of the supporting cast.

Uriah43 Even though it's Christmas Eve a submarine called the U.S.S. Copperfin sails out of San Francisco in 1943 on a top secret assignment which cannot be revealed until another 24 hours at sea. The commander of this vessel is a man named "Captain Cassidy" (Cary Grant) and like many of the men who have served with him has 5 successful patrols to his credit. However, this specific assignment is far more dangerous than anything any of them could have ever realized and it will also have an immediate impact on the war against Japan. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that as far as "submarine movies" are concerned this film certainly ranks as one of the better ones out there. Be advised though that it was made during World War 2 and because of that there are some elements of propaganda here and there. Likewise, even though the plot is based on a true event it is also quite evident that there are some typical Hollywood exaggerations here as well. But even so this is still a pretty good film and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.

deschreiber When people praise this film for being realistic, they must be thinking of how it portrays the look of the insides of a submarine, the living conditions, the military procedures, and so on. They can't be talking about the characters or dialogue. Movies made during the war have to keep the spirits of the viewers up, so the effects on the scripts are deadly. The worst part of these movies is always the interplay between the characters, so good- humoured and cheery in every situation. The "boys" (and they do act like boys) are always light-hearted and playful with each other, like puppies in a box. Even their lusts seem childlike and innocent, consisting of a few jokes about a pin-up girl. Occasionally a character will be portrayed a little differently, fearful or bitter, but we know it will work out well, and it's really only for effect, a little spice added to the dish, and a hint that "Gee, you see how realistic this movie is (wink, wink)?" The commanders don't really worry much about death -- under fire, with the possibility of death facing them at any second, their faces register the kind of concern they'd have over a flat tire or while waiting for a daughter staying out late after her prom. It's what passes for bravery in these movies.Now in the case of "Destination Tokyo" can we really talk about realism when the submarine is usually an obvious model, when the captain sends the sub down to 150 feet and we can see the sunlight reflecting off the surface of the water a couple of feet over the model?Enjoy the movie for what it is, but let's get rid of the pretence that these are realistic to any significant degree. Just compare them for a second with "Das Boat" and what they leave out will become apparent.

utgard14 Gripping WW2 film with Cary Grant as the captain of a Navy submarine tasked with a scouting mission ahead of the Dollittle Raid in April of 1942. Grant gives an effortless performance heading a terrific ensemble. The crew of the sub includes John Garfield, Alan Hale, Dane Clark, Tom Tully, and William Prince. Second movie of both John Forsythe and Robert Hutton, cousin to Cary Grant's then-wife Barbara Hutton.A classic war movie, well directed by Delmer Daves with a smart script that focuses heavily on character more than action. Although there is plenty of that. Reading some of the other reviews, much is made of the use of model subs and planes. Obviously special effects were limited back then. It doesn't bother me but, if you're someone who is particular about such things, consider yourself warned. Speaking of warnings, this is a film made when we were at war with Japan. So there is some politically incorrect language, for those easily offended types out there.