🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Robert Wise
- Genre: War, Drama, Thriller, Action
- Release year: 1958
- Runtime (length): 1h 33min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (14K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Clark Gable is so mad about his sunk boat that he harasses Burt Lancaster and some guys into diving near Japan, just to yell at another boat really hard.
🍿 Run Silent, Run Deep: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Commander Richardson’s Obsession
After losing his submarine in the Bungo Strait to a Japanese destroyer, Commander ‘Rich’ Richardson is relegated to a desk job. Haunted by the loss of his crew and driven by a desire for revenge, Richardson becomes fixated on the destroyer he nicknames ‘Bungo Pete.’ He sees an opportunity to return to sea when a new submarine, the USS Nerka, becomes available.

Conflict Aboard the USS Nerka
Richardson uses his influence to secure command of the USS Nerka, much to the dismay of Lieutenant Jim Bledsoe, who had been expecting to captain the vessel himself. This creates immediate tension and resentment among the crew, who respect Bledsoe and question Richardson’s leadership. As Richardson pushes the crew with demanding drills and unorthodox tactics, their frustration grows.

The Hunt for ‘Bungo Pete’
Disobeying direct orders, Richardson steers the Nerka towards the dangerous Bungo Strait, determined to confront and destroy ‘Bungo Pete.’ His single-minded focus puts the crew at risk and further strains his relationship with Bledsoe, who is torn between loyalty to his captain and concern for the safety of his men. The Nerka engages in several encounters, honing Richardson’s strategy for facing his nemesis.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Cmdr. ‘Rich’ Richardson (Clark Gable): The determined and obsessive submarine commander seeks revenge on the Japanese destroyer that sunk his previous command.
- Lt. Jim Bledsoe (Burt Lancaster): The capable executive officer initially resents Richardson’s command but ultimately respects his abilities.
- Yeoman 1st Class Mueller (Jack Warden): A loyal confidant of Richardson who transfers with him to the USS Nerka.
- Quartermaster 1st Class Ruby (Don Rickles): A crew member on the USS Nerka.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Cmdr. ‘Rich’ Richardson: “We’re going back to the Bungo Straits.” – Richardson informs his crew of his intention to disobey orders and return to a dangerous area.
- Lt. Jim Bledsoe: “It’s thirty-eight days now since we left Pearl Harbor. … But let no one here, no one aboard this boat, ever say we didn’t have a captain.” – Bledsoe delivers a moving eulogy at Richardson’s burial at sea.
- Lt. Jim Bledsoe: “Unto almighty God we commend the soul of our shipmate departed. And we commit his body to the deep, in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection unto eternal life, when the sea shall give up her dead in the life of the world to come.” – Bledsoe says these remarks as he is burying the deceased Captain in the sea.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4.2 million
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Run Silent, Run Deep Reviews
Personal Review
I watched this movie last night and I couldn’t believe how gripping it was for a film made in the 50s! Gable and Lancaster played off each other so well, and the submarine setting was so tense. I loved the part where the crew had to dive to avoid the depth charges – I was holding my breath! The ending was bittersweet, but it really made me appreciate the sacrifices made during wartime. Highly recommend to any movie fan!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic war movies”
- “Those interested in submarine warfare”
- “Viewers who appreciate character-driven stories”
- “People who enjoy films with strong performances by iconic actors”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “War violence”
- “Death”
- “Claustrophobic settings”
- “Brief language”
Professional Reviews
- CBR: “Features gripping suspense and realism in a classic WWII submarine setting. Gable and Lancaster deliver powerful performances as a conflicted captain and XO, making it a standout in the war genre. The technical accuracy and taut direction elevate the film above typical action flicks, offering a deeper look into the tensions of underwater warfare.
- Slash Film: “Explores themes of obsession and revenge against the backdrop of WWII submarine combat. The tense relationship between Gable and Lancaster keeps viewers engaged, while the claustrophobic environment and realistic naval tactics enhance the viewing experience. Wise’s direction creates a compelling study of leadership under pressure.
- IMDB User Review: “This movie is a perfect example of how to create a story that makes you feel. If you love the movie Crimson Tide or any other submarine movie, this movie is a must to see. If you like Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster, this movie is another must to see, as it has great performances from the two actors.
Audience Reactions
The intense character dynamics between Gable and Lancaster created a captivating and suspenseful atmosphere.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s gripping tension and realistic portrayal of submarine warfare.
Overall Consensus: A classic submarine war drama with strong performances, creating tension and suspense.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The movie was based on the novel of the same name by Commander Edward L. Beach Jr., a decorated WWII submariner.”
- “Actual WWII submarine USS Redfish (SS-395) was used for filming, adding to the authenticity.”
- “The underwater scenes were filmed in the Salton Sea, California, utilizing miniatures and models.”
- “Clark Gable was reportedly ill during filming, which is noticeable in some scenes due to his head shaking. This may have been related to his heavy smoking and drinking habits.”
- “Burt Lancaster’s production company, Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, produced the film, giving him significant creative control.”
🖥️ How to Watch Run Silent, Run Deep?
Currently, ‘Run Silent, Run Deep’ can be streamed via purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential broadcast schedules or other streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Run Silent, Run Deep, you might like these similar films:
- Das Boot (1981): A claustrophobic and realistic depiction of life aboard a German U-boat during World War II.
- The Enemy Below (1957): Features a tense cat-and-mouse game between a U.S. destroyer escort and a German U-boat during World War II.
- Crimson Tide (1995): A modern submarine thriller featuring a tense power struggle between the captain and executive officer during a crisis.
- U-571 (2000): A modern take on submarine warfare, focusing on a daring mission to capture an Enigma machine.
🛒 Run Silent, Run Deep Related Products
- Run Silent, Run Deep (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray edition. Experience the classic movie in stunning clarity, includes behind-the-scenes features and documentaries for the true film enthusiast.
- Silent Hunter III (PC Game): Dive into the realistic world of WWII submarine warfare with this PC game. Command your U-boat, manage your crew, and engage in intense naval battles across the Atlantic. Experience the thrill of the hunt!
- USS Redfish (SS-395) Submarine Model Kit: Detailed plastic model kit of the USS Redfish, the actual submarine used in the filming of ‘Run Silent, Run Deep’. A rewarding build for hobbyists and history buffs.
- Run Silent, Run Deep Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Add a touch of classic cinema to your walls with this iconic design.
🎧 Soundtrack
Run Silent, Run Deep features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While the film is a fictional story, it is based on the novel of the same name by Edward L. Beach Jr., a highly decorated submarine officer during World War II. Beach drew inspiration from his own experiences and knowledge of submarine warfare, lending a sense of realism to the story.
The Bungo Strait is a strategically important waterway near Japan, serving as a key route for Japanese shipping during World War II. In the film, it represents both a dangerous hunting ground for American submarines and the location where Commander Richardson lost his previous command, fueling his obsession with revenge.
The film explores themes of revenge, duty, leadership, and the psychological toll of war. Commander Richardson’s quest for revenge is contrasted with Lieutenant Bledsoe’s more pragmatic approach to duty, highlighting the different motivations and sacrifices that drive men in wartime.
🔥 Bonus Content
Run Silent, Run Deep by Good Morning America, November 2005
Ever wondered what it’s *really* like inside a nuclear submarine? This Good Morning America segment takes you onboard the USS Scranton for a rare glimpse – it’s surprisingly intense, and gives you a whole new appreciation for what sailors experience. Check it out!
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