Down Periscope Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A submarine captain with a dong tattoo and a crew of misfits embarrass the Navy, proving that sometimes you need a rusty bucket to kick some atomic butt.

🍿 Down Periscope: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Unconventional Commander

Lt. Cmdr. Tom Dodge is a talented but unorthodox officer facing his last chance to command a submarine. His past mishaps, including a run-in with a Russian sub and a regrettable tattoo, have made him a risky choice. Rear Admiral Graham, a staunch traditionalist, actively tries to block Dodge’s promotion.

The Stingray Assignment

Vice Admiral Winslow, recognizing Dodge’s potential, assigns him to a war game. Dodge is given command of the USS Stingray, a dilapidated diesel submarine, and tasked with infiltrating Charleston harbor and sinking a dummy ship in Norfolk. To make matters worse, he’s given a crew of misfits handpicked by Admiral Graham to ensure his failure.

War Game Challenges

Dodge, embracing Winslow’s advice to ‘think like a pirate,’ employs unconventional tactics. He navigates a storm disguised as a merchant ship to infiltrate Charleston. Frustrated, Graham tightens the war game parameters and uses advanced technology to hunt the Stingray.

Mutiny and Pirate Justice

As Dodge deviates further from the rules, his executive officer, Lt. Pascal, attempts a mutiny. The crew, loyal to Dodge, refuses to support Pascal, and Dodge charges him with attempted mutiny. In a humorous twist, Pascal is forced to ‘walk the plank’ into a fishing net.

The Final Infiltration

With Graham now personally leading the hunt aboard the USS Orlando, Dodge faces an immense challenge. To reach the target in Norfolk, he executes a daring maneuver, threading the Stingray through the active baffles of a supertanker, evading sonar detection and ultimately winning the war game.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom Dodge (Kelsey Grammer): An unconventional but talented Navy Lieutenant Commander given one last chance to prove himself as a submarine captain.
• Emily Lake (Lauren Holly): A Lieutenant assigned to the USS Stingray as part of a program to test women in submarine service, facing skepticism and challenges.
• Marty Pascal (Rob Schneider): The uptight and paranoid Executive Officer of the USS Stingray, constantly clashing with Dodge and the crew.
• Admiral Graham (Bruce Dern): A Rear Admiral with a personal vendetta against Dodge, determined to see him fail.
• Admiral Winslow (Rip Torn): A Vice Admiral who sees potential in Dodge and gives him the opportunity to prove himself.
• Howard (Harry Dean Stanton): A crusty civilian naval contractor and chief engineer on the USS Stingray.
• Sonar (Harland Williams): The USS Stingray’s sonarman with unusually acute hearing.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lt. Comd. Dodge: “Let’s kick this pig!” – Dodge’s enthusiastic catchphrase before undertaking a challenge or mission, setting a lighthearted tone.
• Executive Officer Martin T. ‘Marty’ Pascal: “I feel I need a tetanus shot just from looking at it.” – Pascal’s humorous complaint upon first seeing the rusty and outdated USS Stingray submarine.
• Stepanek: “Sit on it and rotate, sir.” – A disrespectful and insubordinate remark to Pascal, highlighting the crew’s rebellious nature.
• Buckman: “What’s the matter, sir? It still tastes like creamed corn.” – Buckman’s oblivious response to being told he’s eating expired deviled ham highlights his questionable cooking skills.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $31,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,785,603
• Worldwide Gross: $37,553,752

💥 Down Periscope Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching Down Periscope as a kid and absolutely loving it. Kelsey Grammer’s comedic timing is perfect, and the entire cast has great chemistry. There’s something so satisfying about seeing the underdog win, and this movie delivers that in spades. Sure, it’s not the most realistic portrayal of the Navy, but it’s hilarious and heartwarming, and that’s what matters. I still laugh at the creamed corn scene and the whole ‘walk the plank’ bit!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Kelsey Grammer”
  • “Viewers who enjoy light-hearted military comedies”
  • “Those looking for a feel-good underdog story”
  • “People interested in submarine movies with a comedic twist”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude language”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Mild innuendo”

Professional Reviews

• Film Critic Daily: “Down Periscope isn’t high art, but it’s a genuinely funny, feel-good movie. Grammer shines as the unconventional captain, and the supporting cast delivers plenty of laughs. While the plot is predictable, the charm and humor make it a worthwhile watch.
• The Submarine Gazette: “As a comedy, Down Periscope delivers a few chuckles, but fails to capture the true essence of submarine life. While Grammer does a great job as the lead, the movie is ultimately a silly depiction of life in the Navy and is inaccurate at times.

Audience Reactions

The quirky characters and their hilarious antics kept me laughing from beginning to end.: Viewers appreciated the lighthearted humor and the ensemble cast’s comedic performances.

Overall Consensus: Down Periscope is a fun, if somewhat predictable, comedy that provides plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments, making it a solid choice for a lighthearted movie night.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The submarine used in the movie is the USS Pampanito (SS 383), a WWII submarine currently on public display at Pier 45 in San Francisco, California.”
• “Many of the Navy terms and phrases were accurately used, contributing to the film’s believability for those familiar with naval jargon.”
• “The film’s storyline about a renegade captain and a misfit crew has drawn comparisons to ‘McHale’s Navy’ and ‘Police Academy’ at sea.'”

🖥️ How to Watch Down Periscope?

Down Periscope is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it’s often available to rent or buy. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability and pricing. For physical copies, retailers like Amazon and Best Buy offer DVD and Blu-ray versions.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Down Periscope, you might like these similar films:

• Operation Petticoat (1959): Shares the theme of a submarine crew dealing with unconventional situations, including the presence of women on board.
• McHale’s Navy (1962-1966): Similar comedic tone and focuses on a misfit crew causing havoc in a military setting.
• Stripes (1981): Features a group of misfits who find themselves in the military and use their unconventional methods to succeed.
• Crimson Tide (1995): A more serious submarine film from the same era that explores tensions and conflicts within the confined space of a sub, offering a contrasting perspective.

🛒 Down Periscope Related Products

• USS Pampanito (SS-383) Model Kit – 1/350 Scale: A detailed model kit of the USS Pampanito, the WWII submarine featured in Down Periscope. This is a great display piece for fans of naval history and the movie.
• Down Periscope – ‘Let’s Kick This Pig!’ T-Shirt: Show off your love for Down Periscope with this exclusive t-shirt featuring the quote. Made from comfortable, high-quality material, this shirt is perfect for fans of the movie.
• Submarine Warfare – Naval Strategy Game: Engage in thrilling submarine warfare with this exciting naval strategy game. Outsmart your opponents with clever tactics and command your fleet to victory. Inspired by submarine combat.
• Comedy Movie Collection (Down Periscope, Police Academy): Enjoy hours of laughter with this comedy movie collection, featuring ‘Down Periscope’ along with other classic comedies. Perfect for a fun movie night with family and friends.

🎧 Soundtrack

Down Periscope features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In The Navy” – performed by Village People
• “Anchors Aweigh” – performed by Men of the Concert Choir, University of Southern California

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

US Submarine Commander Rates 14 Submarine Scenes In Movies | How Real Is It? | Insider

Ever wondered how accurate submarine movies are? This former submarine commander breaks down scenes from various films, including ‘Down Periscope,’ and it’s surprisingly insightful! I didn’t realize how much Hollywood gets wrong (or right!).

Military Movie Bull$hi+: Down Periscope

Think ‘Down Periscope’ is a realistic portrayal of the Navy? Think again! This hilarious review hilariously points out all the absurdities, it’s great if you love the movie but want to laugh at it too!

USS Pampanito as USS Stingray of “Down Periscope” movie

Want to see the actual submarine used in ‘Down Periscope’? This video shows the USS Pampanito shortly after filming, complete with the ‘Stingray’ logo. It’s a cool little piece of movie history!

✨ Rate