- Realism: Despite its comedic and romantic elements, Operation Petticoat is considered one of the most realistic movies about US submarines during World War II.
Trailer
Full cast
- Cary Grant as Lieutenant Commander Matt Sherman
- Tony Curtis as Lieutenant, Junior Grade Nicholas Holden
- Joan O'Brien as Lieutenant Barbara Duran
- Dina Merrill as Lieutenant Catherine Holden
- Gene Evans as Chief Torpedoman's Mate Sam Tostin
- Dick Sargent as Lieutenant Watson
- Virginia Gregg as Major Edna Heywood
- Robert F. Simon as Captain J.B. Henderson
- Robert Gist as Lieutenant Watson
- Gavin MacLeod as Yeoman Ernest Hunkle
- George Dunn as Chief Molumphry
- Madlyn Rhue as Lieutenant Reid
- Marion Ross as Lieutenant Colfax
- Clarence Lung as Japanese Captain
- Robert F. Hoy as Japanese Sailor
Director - Blake Edwards
Writer - Stanley Shapiro and Maurice Richlin
Box Office Gross - Operation Petticoat (1959) earned $9.3 million in US and Canada rentals, making it the fourth highest-grossing film of 1959. The film was also the highest-grossing movie in the 50-year history of Universal Studios at the time of its release.
Distributor - United States was Universal Pictures. In the United Kingdom, the film was distributed by Rank Film Distributors. In West Germany, Universal Filmverleih was responsible for distributing the film.
Genre - Comedy, Romance, and War movie.
Release date - Operation Petticoat (1959) was released in the United States on December 3, 1959, in New York City. The film was also released in Japan on December 18, 1959, Italy on December 22, 1959, and Brazil on December 24, 1959.
Theme
The theme of Operation Petticoat (1959) is a comedic and romantic portrayal of the US Navy's efforts during World War II. The film highlights the challenges faced by the crew of the USS Sea Tiger, a pink and outdated submarine, as they navigate through the Pacific Ocean. The film also explores the relationships between the crew members, including the romantic tension between Lieutenant Commander Matt Sherman and Lieutenant Barbara Duran, as well as the comedic interactions between Sherman and his con man executive officer, Lieutenant, Junior Grade Nicholas Holden. The film's theme is a lighthearted and humorous take on the serious subject of war, and it has been praised for its realistic portrayal of life on a submarine during World War II.
Reception
Operation Petticoat (1959) received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its humor and romantic elements, while others found it to be a disappointing and unrealistic portrayal of life on a submarine during World War II. Here are some notable reviews:
- Variety called the film "a delightful comedy" and praised the performances of Cary Grant and Tony Curtis.
- The New York Times criticized the film for its lack of realism and called it a "disappointing comedy".
- The Hollywood) Reporter praised the film for its humor and called it a "pleasant surprise".
- The film has a 67% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 14 reviews, with an average rating of 6.8/10.
Despite the mixed reviews, Operation Petticoat was a commercial success, earning $9.3 million in US and Canada rentals and becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of 1959.
Settings
Operation Petticoat (1959) is set during World War II and primarily takes place on the USS Sea Tiger, a pink and outdated submarine. The film is set in the Pacific Ocean, and the crew of the USS Sea Tiger faces various challenges as they navigate through the waters. The film also features scenes set in the Cavite naval base in the Philippines, where the USS Sea Tiger is initially stationed before being sunk during an air raid. The film's setting provides a backdrop for the comedic and romantic elements of the story, as well as the challenges faced by the crew of the USS Sea Tiger during the war.
Visual Styles & Techniques
It is worth noting that the film was directed by Blake Edwards, who was known for his use of visual humor and innovative camera techniques. The film's setting on a submarine and in the Pacific Ocean may have presented unique challenges for the cinematography and visual effects. Additionally, the film's comedic and romantic elements may have required specific visual styles and techniques to enhance the humor and romance.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Here are some trivia and fun facts about "Operation Petticoat" (1959):
- The film is a comedy, romance, and war movie set during World War II, featuring a mix of wartime action and a large cast of comforting faces.
- The movie is known for its humorous anecdotes adopted from real-life American submarines and was technically advised by retired wartime submarine commander Rear Admiral Lucius M. Chappel, adding a touch of realism to the film.
- The film's director, Blake Edwards, was well-known for his use of visual humor and innovative camera techniques, which are evident in the expertly-executed comedy of "Operation Petticoat".
- "Operation Petticoat" was released during a popular trend of sex comedies in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and it capitalized on this trend by adding a unique twist - taking the gender battle to war on a pink submarine.
- The film's title refers to the pink color that the submarine ends up being painted due to a series of mishaps and the shortage of traditional gray paint during its repair.
