NR | 1h 36m | Adventure | Drama, War | 1951
The Cold War officially began in 1947, roughly two years after World War II ended. As geopolitical fault lines deepened between the Western Bloc, led by the United States and its allies, and the Eastern Bloc, dominated by the Soviet Union and its lackeys, the stage was set for tension, espionage, and the development of advanced military platforms and capabilities.
This tense environment naturally inspired films that featured bravery, patriotism, and selflessness against a backdrop of rapidly advancing weapons technology. The onset of the 1950s saw many such films emerge, capturing the zeitgeist.
During Hollywood’s Golden Age, many studios weren’t only highly patriotic, but also employed military veterans from both World Wars. These veterans brought authenticity and depth to films that depicted military life and action, making movies like “The Frogmen.”
Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox produced films that, while unable to reveal classified information, showcased some of the cutting-edge military capabilities deterring Soviet aggression.
Several years prior, “The Frogmen” (1951) delved into a fascinating facet of U.S. military prowess—the Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs), forerunners of modern SEAL teams. While airmen of “Strategic Air Command” patrolled the skies, frogmen operated covertly beneath the waves.
Set in the Pacific Theater of World War II, “The Frogmen” follows Lt. Cmdr. John Lawrence (Richard Widmark) as he takes command of Underwater Demolition Team 4 (UDT4). The team is still grieving the loss of their former commander, Lt. Cmdr. Jack Cassidy, who died heroically trying to save a subordinate during a mission.
Lawrence’s disciplined and unsympathetic leadership style starkly contrasts Cassidy’s more casual and intimate approach, creating tension as the men of UDT4 adjust to their new commander, particularly Chief Jake Flannigan (Dana Andrews). He acts as the primary voice for the unit.
Though Lawrence and the UDT4 men are elite operatives, they are transported by regular Navy sailors aboard a transport ship commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Pete Vincent (Gary Merrill).
During their first mission together, Lawrence and his unit are tasked with locating and detonating defensive underwater explosive off a Japanese-controlled island. The mission starts smoothly, but takes a perilous turn when one of the smaller transport ships is hit by Japanese shelling and destroyed.
Lawrence’s handling of the crisis and of the men stranded at sea infuriates the UDT4 team, further exacerbating the tension between them. From there, both loyalties and resolve are tested amidst the chaos of war.
In stark contrast to today’s military, with its advanced scuba gear, weapons, communication systems, and tracking devices, the men of the UDT4 wore nothing but swim trunks, diving masks, flippers, watches, and underwater writing tablets around their necks.
As the UDT4 men approached the enemy-held beaches in small transport ships and inflatable rafts, they inevitably got noticed. The Japanese bombard them from the shore and shoot at them with small arms fire. The focus, breathing discipline, fitness levels, and determination of these men must have been exceptional.
Another noteworthy aspect of this excellent war movie is its depiction of how the intense military doctrine of elite units like the UDT4s can sometimes lead to misperceptions. These, if left to fester, can grow into bigger issues that threaten the unit’s cohesion.
Fortunately, the film’s third act demonstrates how such units can self-correct with patience and understanding. It underscores the importance of owning up to one’s faults and misperceptions, conveying that while conflict and hardship are inevitable, the true strength of a unit and what enables its success lies in its ability to recognize and correct its mistakes.
It’s no wonder “The Frogmen” was a cultural hit when it debuted, given its universally positive themes. The film’s emphasis on self-reflection and accountability resonated with audiences, earning it Academy Award nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography.
