THE DEEP SIX
US, 1958, 105 minutes, Colour.
Alan Ladd, William Bendix, Dianne Foster, Efrem Zimbalist Jr, James Whitmore.
Directed by Rudolph Mate.
The Deep Six is a fairly conventional romance war film, featuring Alan Ladd. At the stage of his career he was ageing. He is teamed with William Bendix with whom he made many films in the forties. The film is a naval adventure but with a twist about Quaker principles and violence. This was a theme of interest in such films as High Noon and Friendly Persuasion in the fifties. This time the religious background seems to be presented as a hindrance and true masculinity is in being patriotic and violent - many would question this theory. Otherwise the film is fairly conventional material.
1. How interesting and entertaining a war film? The romantic background, American society background, Quaker religious background? How well did it combine these facets?
2. The use of the war conventions: the presentation of the hero at his work, his romance, family background, call-up and patriotism, the presentation of the ship, the personnel, the officers, clashes, military exercises, crises, heroism, a mission, danger, deaths, success? Audience response to these conventions?
3. The importance of colour photography, the naval settings, the special effects with the final mission?
4. How authentic was the plot? This kind of experience for so many men in World War II? Austen and his advertising background, call-up, skills? Life on the ship? Dangers and success? How much was the film a tribute from the fifties to those who participated in the war?
5. Alan Ladd as Alec Austen? Hie work, relationship with Susan, the importance of his Quaker background and the episode with his mother? His decision not to marry Susan because of the attitudes of her brother? Death? His principles, his giving up his Quaker background, its lasting influence especially in the interactions with people on the ship especially with Edge and his hostility? Friendship with the Commander, with the Doctor? An ordinary American hero?
6. The varied personnel on the ship and the way they were presented conventionally, interestingly? The good-hearted Commander with his concern about Austen, supporting him and then involving him? Edge and his illness and his revenge for Pearl Harbor, his hostility and suspicions, morphine-taking, death? The doctor and his off-hand manner? Frenchy and the support for Austen? Frenchy’s not always understanding him but supporting him, - in the fight? The presentation of the men on the lower deck and the navy way of life on ship, on leave?
7. Susan and her work, love for Alec, changing her patterns of life for him, the marriage, the happy ending? The indication of suffering with her sister’s husband’s death? The importance of Mrs Austen and her disappointment with her son but support of him?
8. The film as a war film with its visual presentation of issues? The focus on Edge and his hostile attitudes towards people? Attitudes towards the Japanese?
9. The religions issues and the discussion of Quaker principles and their presentation?
