What was probably a rather revelatory naval film in 1951 is a bit ordinary by today's standards, though it is still worth a viewing, especially for fans of Widmark. Here he plays the newly-assigned commander of an underwater diving team during WWII who is charged with the demolition of a Pacific island's shore defenses. Widmark is not popular among his men because he's replacing a beloved, but now deceased, predecessor. He loses even more points when he neglects to take time to memorialize even more recently killed seamen. Andrews is his chief antagonist while Merrill is the even-keeled voice of reason, advising Widmark through the choppy waters of command. There are many shots filmed underwater in what was then quite a novelty. Today, this footage looks pretty murky, though it's not altogether terrible. A few tense situations unfold as Widmark and his (frog)men dive and plant explosives, etc... One neat aspect is the showing of how the UDT (now morphed into Navy Seals) disembark and reboard the boats that transport them. Split-second timing was required. Widmark (or more likely his stunt double) does have the unfortunate distinction of being pulled back onto the craft at high speed and having his white jock dart out from the underside of the black trunks he is wearing! Not a particularly dignified reentry, but at least he was saved. Widmark, always an intriguing screen presence, does a nice job in the film, balancing toughness with sensitivity. Andrews is less impressive, seemingly walking through the thing at times. Merrill is pretty inactive, always sitting, lying down or smoking an ever-present pipe, but he lends solid support. One real asset is the appealing and attractive Hunter, who is especially sympathetic during the climax when he is threatened with drowning or worse. The cast is filled with then-up-and-coming actors who would later gain somewhat greater fame. Stevens, Lembeck, Gregory and Warden all have at least one moment to register. Fans of sixth-billed Wagner, however, will be greatly, greatly disappointed. He's barely visible at all and has one line, "Aye aye, sir." The later "Creature From the Black Lagoon" would up the ante on underwater cinematography (in 3-D no less!) along with other subsequent films, but this one was one of the earliest.
Review of The Frogmen
