The Frogmen Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy new Navy commander tries to bond with his underwater demolition team, who are still mourning their last, much cooler boss, by making them dive into danger and disarm ticking torpedoes.

🍿 The Frogmen: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A New Commander for the Elite UDT

The film introduces Lieutenant Commander John Lawrence (Richard Widmark), a stern and by-the-book officer, who is assigned to command an elite Navy Underwater Demolition Team. His arrival is met with deep resentment from the unit, who are still mourning the recent death of their beloved former commander, Cassidy. Lawrence’s disciplined approach immediately clashes with the fiercely independent spirit of the ‘frogmen’. Among those most resistant to Lawrence’s leadership is Chief Jake Flannigan (Dana Andrews), a veteran CPO who is highly popular with the crew. The men openly express their dislike, and many even request transfers, creating a challenging environment for Lawrence to gain their trust and respect amidst dangerous wartime missions.

Building Trust Through Perilous Missions

Lawrence attempts to tighten the unit’s discipline and refine their procedures, which only further alienates him from his men. The team undertakes various high-stakes missions, including surveying Japanese-occupied beaches for obstacles before major invasions. These operations highlight the extreme danger and the primitive conditions under which these early combat swimmers operated, often using minimal equipment like swim trunks, flippers, and goggles. Tensions peak during a risky prank where two men, including Pappy Creighton (Jeffrey Hunter), are injured while trying to leave a banner for the Marines on a Japanese-held beach. This incident, fueled by the animosity towards Lawrence’s perceived lack of concern, deepens the divide within the unit. The ship’s captain, Lt. Cmdr. Pete Vincent (Gary Merrill), attempts to mediate, offering Lawrence guidance on leadership and earning his men’s loyalty.

The Ultimate Test of Courage

A critical turning point occurs when the team’s transport ship is hit by an unexploded Japanese torpedo. The torpedo lodges in the same compartment where Pappy Creighton is recuperating from his injuries, making the situation even more precarious. Lawrence, an explosives expert, takes on the incredibly dangerous task of disarming the live torpedo, relying on his skill and courage, with Pappy’s life hanging in the balance. This high-stakes act of bravery, performed under immense pressure, begins to chip away at the men’s animosity. Lawrence’s willingness to put his own life on the line for the safety of the ship and his crew demonstrates the quiet courage and leadership qualities that the frogmen had been looking for.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lt. Cmdr. John Lawrence (Richard Widmark): The strict new commanding officer of a Navy Underwater Demolition Team who must earn the respect of his men, who are resentful after their former commander’s death.
• Jake Flannigan (Dana Andrews): A veteran Chief Petty Officer and popular frogman who initially resents and challenges the new commander, Lt. Cmdr. Lawrence.
• Lt. Cmdr. Pete Vincent (Gary Merrill): The captain of the transport ship who offers counsel to Lt. Cmdr. Lawrence as he navigates the challenging dynamics with his new team.
• Pappy Creighton (Jeffrey Hunter): A brash young member of the UDT team whose daring actions and subsequent injury create tension and a critical situation for the unit.
• Marvin W. ‘Canarsie’ Mikowsky (Harvey Lembeck): A member of the frogmen team from Brooklyn, representing the common, relatable archetype within the specialized unit.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lt. Cmdr. Pete Vincent: “Looks like you’ve got what amounts to a legal mutiny on your hands.” – Said to Lt. Cmdr. Lawrence as his new team, still loyal to their deceased former commander, openly expresses resentment and requests transfers.
• Lt. Cmdr. John Lawrence: “The Navy expects its officers to make hard decisions. That’s what I’m here for.” – Lawrence explaining his rationale for a controversial order, emphasizing his duty over popularity and the demands of command.
• Jake Flannigan: “Cassidy understood these men. He was one of us.” – Flannigan expressing the deep loyalty the team felt for their fallen previous commander, highlighting the stark contrast with Lawrence’s approach.
• Pappy Creighton: “We even left a welcome sign on the beach for the Marines.” – Pappy recounting a daring, and risky, prank performed during a mission, showcasing the unit’s audacious spirit and inter-service rivalry.
• Lt. Cmdr. John Lawrence: “This job isn’t about being popular, it’s about getting the mission done.” – Lawrence addressing the pervasive animosity from his unit, reaffirming his focus on their dangerous objectives rather than their personal feelings.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Frogmen Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘The Frogmen’ as a classic war drama! It immediately drew me in with its focus on the UDTs, which felt like such a unique angle for a WWII movie. Seeing Richard Widmark take on the role of the tough, misunderstood commander was fantastic; he just embodies that intense leadership perfectly. I was particularly gripped by the torpedo disarming scene; it had me on the edge of my seat, truly feeling the pressure. Plus, watching how these ‘frogmen’ operated with such rudimentary gear compared to today’s SEALs was absolutely fascinating. It’s a great watch if you appreciate stories of military dedication and unsung heroes.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic World War II dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in military history and special operations (pre-Navy SEALs)”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven ensemble casts”
  • “Audiences looking for films about leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity”
  • “Admirers of Richard Widmark’s intense performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence and combat sequences”
  • “Depictions of death and injury (typical for a war film)”
  • “Tense situations related to explosives and underwater dangers”

Professional Reviews

• Original: “Lloyd Bacon’s ‘The Frogmen’ delivers a tense, albeit formulaic, look into the harrowing world of WWII’s Underwater Demolition Teams. Richard Widmark anchors the film with a stoic performance as the new, by-the-book commander battling both the enemy and his men’s resentment. The real star, however, is the remarkable underwater cinematography, offering a rare glimpse into the daring, primitive operations of these unsung heroes. It’s a gripping testament to courage and duty.
• Original: “‘The Frogmen’ might follow the classic ‘new leader proves himself’ trope, but it does so with admirable authenticity and an engaging cast. Widmark, Andrews, and Merrill bring gravitas to their roles, embodying the grit and camaraderie of wartime service. The action sequences, particularly the climactic torpedo disarming, are genuinely nail-biting, showcasing the ingenuity and sheer bravery of the UDTs. It’s a solid, understated war film that respects its subject matter.

Audience Reactions

The authentic portrayal of early UDT operations and the sheer bravery of the men truly stood out.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s realistic depiction of the UDT’s dangerous work and the camaraderie among the soldiers. The tension, especially during the underwater and demolition scenes, was frequently highlighted as a strong point, alongside Richard Widmark’s impactful performance.

The climactic torpedo disarming sequence and the ‘banner on the beach’ scene were unforgettable moments for many.: Audiences consistently praised the film for its historical accuracy regarding the UDTs and its ability to convey the immense courage required for their missions. The character development, showing the team’s evolving respect for their new commander, resonated deeply with many, making it a compelling human story within a war setting.

Overall Consensus: A well-regarded, authentic World War II drama that effectively portrays the dangerous and unsung exploits of the U.S. Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams, elevated by strong performances and realistic action.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Real UDT (Underwater Demolition Team) Platoon 2 members from the Korean War, on R&R, were actively involved in the film’s production, performing much of the underwater work and setting satchel charges for explosion scenes.”
• “The triple-tank aqualungs used by the UDT frogmen in the climactic mission were anachronistic for the WWII period; real U.S. Navy UDTs would have used re-breathers, which do not produce bubbles.”
• “Despite being billed fifth with his name in large letters, a then-up-and-coming Robert Wagner appears for literally no more than five seconds in the movie and has only one line, making his high billing a publicity stunt.”
• “The memorable scene where the frogmen leave a ‘welcome’ banner on a beach for the invading Marines was directly inspired by a real event during World War II by the actual UDT-4 unit in Guam.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Frogmen?

Discover the 1951 World War II drama, ‘The Frogmen’, available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. This classic war film runs for 1 hour and 36 minutes and provides a compelling look at the US Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT). Search for ‘The Frogmen movie’ on Amazon for immediate access to this historical action-drama.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Frogmen, you might like these similar films:

• Twelve O’Clock High (1949): The narrative arc of a new, strict commander earning the respect of his resentful unit is directly comparable, as ‘The Frogmen’ is noted to have lifted its plot inspiration from this film.
• The Caine Mutiny (1954): Explores intense themes of naval command, ‘mutiny,’ and the psychological pressures on a captain and his crew, echoing the leadership challenges and crew dissent seen in ‘The Frogmen’.
• Halls of Montezuma (1951): Another impactful 1950s World War II film, released the same year, focusing on the Marine Corps in the Pacific, providing a contemporary perspective on ensemble military drama.
• Act of Valor (2012): Features active-duty U.S. Navy SEALs, directly showcasing the modern successors to the UDT frogmen, offering a contemporary and realistic portrayal of special operations.
• Men of Honor (2000): Tells the inspiring true story of the U.S. Navy’s first African American Master Diver, highlighting the challenges, courage, and dedication required for pioneering specialized underwater military roles.

🛒 The Frogmen Related Products

• The Frogmen (Restored Edition Blu-ray): Experience this WWII classic in stunning high definition with a digitally restored transfer. Includes bonus features like a ‘Making Of’ documentary and historical context on UDTs.
• Silent Warriors: The History of U.S. Navy Frogmen and SEALs (Paperback): A comprehensive non-fiction account detailing the evolution of U.S. Navy combat swimmers from WWII Frogmen to modern-day SEALs, filled with untold stories and rare photographs.
• WWII UDT Frogman Collectible Figurine (1/6 Scale): Highly detailed collectible figurine depicting a WWII-era UDT Frogman in authentic gear, complete with swim trunks, flippers, and demolition charges.
• Vintage ‘The Frogmen’ Movie Poster Print: A high-quality reproduction print of the original theatrical poster for ‘The Frogmen’, capturing the film’s classic aesthetic and wartime appeal.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Title / The New Commander” – performed by Lionel Newman
• “Underwater Demolition” – performed by Lionel Newman
• “A Matter of Respect” – performed by Lionel Newman

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Frogmen Jump To Rescue (1966)

Ever wondered what real frogmen operations looked like in action? This incredible British Pathé footage from the 60s gives you a fascinating, action-packed look at actual frogmen performing daring rescues – it’s pretty amazing to see the real-life skills that inspired the movie!

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