OPERATION PACIFIC

US, 1950, 109 minutes, Black and white.
John Wayne, Patricia Neal, Ward Bond, Scott Forbes, Phil Carey, Paul Picerni.
Directed by George Waggner.

Operation Pacific is a routine war tribute to the men of the American submarines in the Pacific after Pearl Harbor. What makes it of interest is the presence of John Wayne and, particularly, Patricia Neal. There is routine effective support from Ward Bond and Phil Carey with Martin Milner and William Campbell in early roles.

The film is studio-made and uses a number of effects which detract from its sense of realism. The film has the familiar types, tough commander, separated from his wife and the reconciliation, the battles, the death of the best friend in heroic circumstances, a rescue of children and nuns, battle clashes and dangers.

The kind of film that was popular in the early '50s.

1. Popular war film? Tribute to submarine and navy personnel of World War II? The aftermath of Pearl Harbor? The Pacific war against the Japanese?

2. Warner Brothers' production values, black and white photography, studio filming, use of models? musical score?

3. The focus on the Pacific, audience response to the war in the Pacific, America's war experience? Personnel?

4. John Wayne as Duke, standard role, his relationship with the men, the rescue, in the submarine, with Pop, with Pop's brother, his love for Mary, the story of the marriage break-up and the death of the child, encountering her in Pearl Harbor, the rivalry, the reconciliation? In action, the decision which caused Pop's death? The final tribute? Conventional John Wayne hero?

5. Patricia Neal as Mary: nurse, separated, the story of the marriage, the possibility of marrying again, the love for Duke, the scenes together, her anxiety, reconciliation?

6. Ward Bond as Pop, the buddy, the old wise man, the commander, his intervention in the marriage, his brother, his death?

7. Pop's brother, rival with Duke, in love with Mary, her not accepting him? His resentment about Pop's death?

8. The sketch of the various characters, the interaction, the servicemen of the '40s - sentiment, with the rescue of the children, the nuns, going back to the church? The rowdiness with the Hawaiians and the court sequence? Heroism in action?
An average piece of Americana?