A standard World War II film about a U.S. Navy underwater demolition team, "The Frogmen" stars a solid group of handsome 1950's leading men. Although the movie offers nothing unexpected and blazes no new trails, the standard here is lofty. All aspects are highly professional, and the story is engrossing and ultimately moving. The characters are stock: the tough leader, the older confidante, the easy-going second-in-command, the guy from Brooklyn. However, when such stalwart actors as Richard Widmark, Gary Merrill, Dana Andrews, Jeffrey Hunter, and Harvey Lembeck fill the roles, the results are sterling. No prima donnas here; the actors work as an ensemble, much as the demolition team rises above differences to coalesce during the film.
Tough by-the-book Widmark takes over for a well-liked now-dead predecessor and familiar tensions rise among the team. Each member turns in his resignation, a risky stunt misfires, a Japanese sub attack creates a tight situation, a daring climactic mission: great fodder for fans of these World War II films; produced while memories of the war were still fresh, they retain an authenticity and immediacy hard to recreate decades later. The underwater scenes are excellent, and the team's exploits create enough suspense and action to keep viewers engrossed. The fine black-and-white cinematography by Norbert Brodine was Oscar nominated, as was Oscar Millard's story. "The Frogmen" is a standard war film, but the standard is a high one to reach.
Tough by-the-book Widmark takes over for a well-liked now-dead predecessor and familiar tensions rise among the team. Each member turns in his resignation, a risky stunt misfires, a Japanese sub attack creates a tight situation, a daring climactic mission: great fodder for fans of these World War II films; produced while memories of the war were still fresh, they retain an authenticity and immediacy hard to recreate decades later. The underwater scenes are excellent, and the team's exploits create enough suspense and action to keep viewers engrossed. The fine black-and-white cinematography by Norbert Brodine was Oscar nominated, as was Oscar Millard's story. "The Frogmen" is a standard war film, but the standard is a high one to reach.