Operation Petticoat (1959)

The US submarine Sea Tiger is severely damaged in the first days of WWII, before its captain, Lieutenant Commander Matt Sherman (Cary Grant,) has even left port.

Sherman receives permission to attempt a repair and re-floats the sub with the help of his hard-working crew.

Utilising the illicit scavenging talents of his new officer Lt. Nick Holden (Tony Curtis) – aided by Ramon (Clarence Lung), a fugitive from the Marine Corps –  Sherman sets sail for the safety of Australia.

Along the way, they pick up five stranded nurses, causing a minor commotion among the crew and officers.

The devious Holden sets his sights on seducing Lt. Barbara Duran (Dina Merrill) while the other nurses both help and hinder the functioning of the ship.

Major Edna Heywood (Virginia Gregg) turns out to be the perfect machinist’s mate for engineer Sam Tostin (Arthur O’Connell), but Lt. Dolores Crandall (Joan O’Brien) – a full-bosomed lass – accidentally causes Sherman to misfire a torpedo, spoiling the Sea Tiger‘s one chance at combat glory.

Painted pink because there’s no other colour available, the Sea Tiger finally becomes an object of derision and is actually depth-charged by an American destroyer, but distress signals in the form of female undergarments enable it to survive.

Finely photographed in beautiful Eastman Color, the uncomplicated Operation Petticoat is about as relaxing as a war movie can get and remains a satisfying light comedy.

 Lt Cmdr Matt Sherman
Cary Grant
Lt Nick Holden
Tony Curtis
Lt Dolores Crandall
Joan O’Brien
Lt Barbara Duran
Dina Merrill
Molumphry
Gene Evans
Stovall
Richard Sargent
Major Edna Hayward
Virginia Gregg
Captain J. B. Henderson
Robert F. Simon
Watson
Robert Gist
Ernest Hunkle
Gavin Macleod
The prophet
George Dunn
Harmon
Dick Crockett
Lt Claire Reid
Madlyn Rhue
Lt Ruth Colfax
Marion Ross
Ramon
Clarence Lung
Dooley
Frankie Darro
Fox
Tony Pastor Jr
Reiner
Bob Hoy
Kraus
Nicky Blair
Williams
John Morley
Engineer Sam Tostin
Arthur O’Connell

Director
Blake Edwards