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Up Periscope

Up Periscope is a 1959 American black-and-white World War II submarine adventure film directed by Gordon Douglas and produced by Aubrey Schenck for Warner Bros.^[1] Starring James Garner in his first leading role as Lieutenant Ken Braden and Edmond O'Brien as Commander Paul Stevenson, the film follows Braden, a Navy underwater demolition expert, who is assigned to a submarine mission to photograph secret Japanese radio codes on an enemy-held island in the Pacific theater.^[2] Adapted from the 1956 novel of the same name by Robb White, the screenplay was written by Richard H. Landau and White himself.^[3] The film opens with Braden being pulled from a budding romance to undertake the high-risk espionage task, leading to tensions with the cautious submarine commander as they navigate enemy waters.^[1] Shot in 111 minutes on wide-screen, it features supporting performances by Andra Martin as Braden's love interest Sally Johnson, Alan Hale Jr. as Lieutenant Malone, and early appearances by Edd Byrnes and Warren Oates.^[2] Released on March 4, 1959, Up Periscope earned $1.5 million in North American rentals.^[4] Critically, the film received mixed reviews for its familiar plot and standard dramatic elements, though it was praised for the professional cast and direction that honored the bravery of WWII submariners.^[1] Contemporary audiences appreciated the suspenseful submarine sequences and Garner's charismatic debut, contributing to his rising stardom, while modern assessments note its use of stock footage from earlier war films like Destination Tokyo.^[5] With an IMDb rating of 6.4/10 and a 32% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, Up Periscope remains a modest entry in the genre of submarine warfare cinema.^[2]^[6]

Background

Source material

Up Periscope is an adaptation of the novel of the same name, written by Robb White and first published in 1956 by Doubleday.^[7] The book, aimed at younger readers, offers a detailed portrayal of World War II submarine operations in the Pacific theater.^[7] White, who graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1931, returned to active duty in 1941 and served in the Pacific during World War II as a lieutenant commander—including participation in the Battle of Leyte Gulf—drew on his naval experience to craft the narrative.^[8] His firsthand knowledge of submarine warfare and covert missions informed the story's authenticity.^[9] The novel is set in 1943 and follows Lieutenant Ken Braden, a recent graduate of the U.S. Navy's Underwater Demolition Team, assigned to a high-risk mission aboard the submarine USS Shark.^[7] Braden's objective is to infiltrate a Japanese-held island in the South Pacific to photograph or retrieve critical radio codes, while tensions escalate between him and the submarine's captain over tactical decisions, such as a long-range torpedo attack conducted at over three miles.^[7] The plot highlights the perils of submarine patrols, including a 57-day mission through enemy waters, and explores themes of duty, conflict, and heroism under pressure.^[10] Described as based on true events, the story reflects real covert operations by Navy frogmen and demolition teams during the war, emphasizing the strategic importance of intelligence gathering in the Pacific campaign.^[10] At 251 pages, the novel combines adventure with technical insights into submarine tactics and underwater reconnaissance.^[7]

Development

The novel Up Periscope by Robb White, a World War II submarine adventure centered on a naval officer's covert mission, was first published in 1956 by Doubleday.^[11] Film rights to White's novel were acquired in August 1957 by the producing team of Edwin F. Zabel, Howard W. Koch, and Aubrey Schenck, marking the initial step toward adaptation.^[12] The screenplay was developed shortly thereafter, with Richard H. Landau adapting the source material; a typescript of the script, dated September 4, 1957, indicates rapid progress in pre-production scripting.^[3] Although White was initially slated to contribute to the screenplay, he received no onscreen credit for the final version.^[12] Production responsibilities fell to Schenck and Koch under their independent banner, Lakeside Pictures, Inc., in association with Warner Bros.^[12] Early casting considerations in March 1958 included Tab Hunter for the lead role, contingent on his schedule from the film Damn Yankees.^[12] By April 1958, plans solidified for principal photography in Technirama format, with locations targeted in Hawaii to capture authentic Pacific settings.^[12] In May 1958, Warner Bros. publicly confirmed the project as a theatrical release under the independent production team of Zabel, Koch, and Schenck.^[13]

Production

Casting

James Garner was cast in the lead role of Lt. j.g. Kenneth M. Braden, marking one of his first major starring opportunities in film following his breakout success as Bret Maverick on the television series Maverick. Warner Bros., recognizing Garner's rising popularity from television, positioned Up Periscope as a key step in transitioning him to cinematic leading man status.^[14] Edmond O'Brien portrayed the submarine commander, Paul Stevenson, selected for his established dramatic presence and one prior Academy Award nomination (for which he won Best Supporting Actor for The Barefoot Contessa), which added authoritative weight to the film's wartime narrative.^[14] Andra Martin was chosen for the female lead as Sally Johnson, Garner's love interest, in a role that highlighted her emerging screen appeal during the late 1950s.^[12] The supporting cast included Alan Hale Jr. as the boisterous Lt. Pat Malone, Carleton Carpenter as Lt. Phil Carney, and Edd Byrnes as Pharmacist Mate Ash, with these actors contributing to the ensemble's portrayal of naval camaraderie. Warren Oates made his uncredited film debut as Seaman Kovacs, an early credit in his extensive career. Frank Gifford, the NFL star, appeared as the helmsman Mount, leveraging his athletic background for authenticity.^[14]^[12] Casting for the lead initially targeted Tab Hunter, who was attached to the project in March 1958 but withdrew due to scheduling conflicts with Damn Yankees. Tony Curtis was also pursued for the role earlier that year but ultimately unavailable. For the female lead, Joanna Barnes was a strong contender in mid-1958 but did not join the production.^[12]

Filming

Principal photography for Up Periscope took place from early July to late August 1958.^[12] The production was filmed in Technicolor and CinemaScope, later referred to as WarnerScope, to capture the confined interiors of the submarine while emphasizing dramatic tension.^[15] Much of the film was shot at sea in the Pacific Ocean aboard the real U.S. Navy submarine USS Tilefish, highlighting the authenticity of the underwater sequences.^[12] This approach was made possible through extensive cooperation from the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy, and the Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, which provided access to naval facilities and vessels.^[12] Some exterior and base scenes were filmed at submarine bases around San Diego Bay, California, leveraging the region's military infrastructure during a surge in submarine-themed productions in the late 1950s.^[16] Interior studio work occurred at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, California.^[17] Initial plans included location shooting in Hawaii using the Technirama process, but the final production adhered to CinemaScope for its widescreen format.^[15] The budget exceeded $1 million, reflecting the logistical challenges of filming on active naval assets in remote oceanic environments.^[15]

Content

Plot

In 1942, during World War II in the Pacific theater, Lieutenant (j.g.) Ken Braden, a skilled frogman and recent top graduate of the U.S. Navy's Underwater Demolition Team school, is selected for a high-risk covert operation.^[2] His mission is to infiltrate the Japanese-held island of Kusaie, locate an enemy radio station, and photograph a vital codebook to aid Allied intelligence efforts.^[1] Braden is transported to the target area aboard the submarine USS Barracuda, commanded by the strict, by-the-book Captain Paul Stevenson, who prioritizes crew safety and protocol above all.^[2] Aboard the Barracuda, tensions simmer between the hot-headed Braden and the cautious Stevenson, exacerbated by Braden's clashes with crew members, including a brawl that lands him in the brig.^[2] The submarine faces immediate dangers during its approach, including evasion maneuvers against patrolling Japanese destroyers and aircraft, while a prior incident—where an injured crewman died after the submarine delayed its return to Pearl Harbor to avoid a Japanese convoy—fuels crew resentment toward the captain.^[1] Meanwhile, back in San Diego, Braden has begun a whirlwind romance with Sally Johnson, a WAVE in naval intelligence who reveals she was secretly assessing his psychological fitness for the mission; she awaits his return at Pearl Harbor.^[2] As the Barracuda positions near Kusaie, Braden swims ashore under cover of night, successfully photographing the codebook despite close encounters with Japanese guards.^[2] On his return swim, he battles a shark attack but reaches the rendezvous point.^[2] The submarine, forced to linger perilously close to the island to retrieve him, withstands depth-charge attacks from Japanese vessels and aerial bombings, testing Stevenson's resolve and the crew's endurance.^[1] Ultimately, the mission succeeds, the Barracuda escapes to Pearl Harbor, and Braden and Stevenson forge mutual respect, with Braden reuniting with Sally.^[2]

Cast

Up Periscope features James Garner in the lead role of Lt. Ken Braden, a skilled Navy frogman and demolitions expert selected for a high-risk mission to photograph a Japanese code book on a Pacific island. Edmond O'Brien plays Commander Paul Stevenson, the disciplined submarine captain who leads the USS Barracuda and often clashes with Braden over protocol. Andra Martin portrays Sally Johnson, an intelligence WAVE who evaluates Braden's suitability for the assignment and develops a romantic interest in him.^[1] The supporting cast includes Alan Hale Jr. as Lt. Pat Malone, a lighthearted officer awaiting promotion who provides comic relief aboard the submarine. Carleton Carpenter appears as Lt. Tom Carney, another key officer handling communications and navigation. The crew is depicted by actors such as Frank Gifford as Mount, William Leslie as Doherty, Richard Bakalyan as Peck, Edd Byrnes as Ash, Sean Garrison as Floyd, and Henry Kulky as York, contributing to the film's portrayal of submarine life under pressure.^[1] This ensemble marks an early big-screen starring opportunity for Garner, following his breakout television success on Maverick, while O'Brien brings veteran intensity from his prior acclaimed roles in films like The Barefoot Contessa. Hale Jr.'s performance as Malone highlights his knack for affable authority figures, a trait he later amplified in Gilligan's Island. The cast effectively balances tension, humor, and wartime camaraderie in the submarine setting.^[18]^[19]

Release

Premiere

Up Periscope had its New York premiere on March 4, 1959, at the Roxy Theatre, located at Seventh Avenue and Fiftieth Street in New York City.^[20]^[1] The event marked the film's debut in the United States, presented by Warner Bros. in black-and-white and wide-screen format, with a runtime of 111 minutes.^[1] The premiere included a lavish stage show to complement the screening, featuring performances by singer Teal Joy, dancer Takeuchi Keigo with the Imperial Japanese Dancers, and the Roxy Singers and Dancers.^[1] This entertainment was typical of the era's big-city theater openings, enhancing the spectacle for audiences attending the World War II submarine drama directed by Gordon Douglas and produced by Aubrey Schenck.^[1] The following day, The New York Times published a review of the premiere, describing the film as a familiar tale of underwater tension with capable leads James Garner and Edmond O'Brien, though it followed a predictable course without standout excitement.^[1] No records indicate attendance by principal cast or crew at the event, aligning with the modest promotional rollout for the mid-budget production.^[12]

Box office

Up Periscope earned an estimated $1.5 million in U.S. and Canadian theatrical rentals during its initial release.^[21] This figure reflects the film's performance in the domestic market, where Warner Bros. distributed it as a mid-tier World War II adventure. The performance positioned it as a moderate commercial earner, consistent with James Garner's emerging stardom following his television success on Maverick.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release, Up Periscope received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its technical aspects and performances while critiquing the formulaic plot and lack of dramatic tension. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times commended the film's professional execution by writer Richard Landau, director Gordon Douglas, and the cast, particularly highlighting the strong performances of Edmond O'Brien as the submarine captain and James Garner in his first leading role, as well as the effective use of CinemaScope to depict underwater sequences. However, Crowther found the storyline overly familiar and undramatic, echoing previous submarine films like Run Silent, Run Deep, with predictable conflicts that failed to generate sustained excitement despite occasional tense moments.^[1] Variety offered a generally favorable assessment, appreciating the film's salute to World War II submarine crews and its brisk pacing, but noted that the sentimental ending—featuring crowds cheering the returning crew into harbor—felt implausible amid wartime secrecy.^[14] In aggregate, the film holds a 32% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 100 user ratings, with only 2 critic reviews and no Tomatometer score as of November 2025, reflecting its middling status among 1950s war dramas. Later retrospective critiques, such as Glenn Erickson's in DVD Savant, described it as the least distinguished entry in the era's submarine genre, attributing the subdued tension to extensive U.S. Navy cooperation in production, which prioritized accuracy over high-stakes drama.^[6]^[22]

Retrospective views

In the decades following its release, Up Periscope has been regarded as a competent but unremarkable entry in the 1950s submarine film genre, often overshadowed by more acclaimed contemporaries like Run Silent, Run Deep (1958) and The Enemy Below (1957). Critics have noted its simplified adaptation of Robb White's novel, which prioritizes procedural authenticity over dramatic depth, resulting in a narrative that lacks the intense psychological tension found in those films. Filmed aboard the real USS Tilefish with U.S. Navy cooperation, the movie benefits from realistic depictions of submarine operations, though land-based scenes suffer from clichéd dialogue and underdeveloped characters.^[22] James Garner's performance as Lieutenant Ken Braden has drawn particular retrospective praise, marking an early showcase of his easygoing charisma and humor that propelled him from television's Maverick to film stardom. While the skipper role played by Edmond O'Brien provides solid support, Garner's presence is seen as a highlight, compensating for the script's routine plotting and helping the film appeal to audiences as light wartime entertainment. Modern reviewers appreciate it as a transitional work in Garner's career, emphasizing his natural screen appeal in a genre dominated by more somber tones.^[14]^[22] Scholars of post-war cinema have analyzed Up Periscope within broader trends of submarine films that subtly critique military authority, portraying command decisions under pressure in confined spaces as sources of internal conflict. Unlike wartime propaganda pieces, it reflects a late-1950s shift toward examining procedural adherence and crew dynamics, though without the deeper subversion seen in later works. Overall, the film is valued today for its historical snapshot of Cold War-era naval optimism rather than innovative storytelling.^[23]

Legacy

Home media

The film Up Periscope was first released on home video in the VHS format by Warner Home Video in 1992.^[24] It received a DVD release from Warner Home Video on December 19, 2006, as a single-disc edition in Region 1.^[25] The DVD features a MPEG-2 encoded video at 480i resolution with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, presented in anamorphic 16:9 widescreen.^[25] Audio options include English and French Dolby Digital Mono tracks, with English subtitles available.^[25] The release runs 112 minutes and is unrated, with no special features included.^[25] No official Blu-ray edition has been released as of 2025. Digital versions became available for purchase and rental starting in the 2010s through platforms such as Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, Microsoft Store, and Vudu.^[26] These digital formats support streaming and download in high definition, often compatible with Movies Anywhere for cross-platform access.^[27]

Influence and recognition

Up Periscope played a significant role in advancing James Garner's career, serving as one of his first leading roles in a major theatrical release following his breakout success on the television series Maverick. Directed by Gordon Douglas and released by Warner Bros., the film showcased Garner's ability to portray a determined Navy lieutenant on a high-stakes mission, helping to solidify his transition from television supporting roles to film stardom in the late 1950s. This opportunity highlighted Warner Bros.' investment in Garner as a rising talent, positioning him alongside established actors like Edmond O'Brien and contributing to his growing reputation as a versatile leading man in action-oriented dramas.^[28] In the broader context of World War II submarine films, Up Periscope employs expository voice-overs and titles to situate the narrative in the South Pacific theater of 1942, a stylistic choice common in docudrama-style naval pictures.^[29] The film's recognition remains modest within film studies, primarily as a representative entry in the post-war submarine cycle rather than a groundbreaking work. While it did not garner major awards or nominations from bodies like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it is noted as a well-regarded action film in director Gordon Douglas's filmography.^[30]

References

[1]
Up Periscope' at Roxy - The New York Times
The clash of personalities and purposes makes for standard drama. Will the commander relax and bring the sub up close to the island so that our laconic hero can ...Missing: film | Show results with:film
[2]
Up Periscope (1959) - IMDb
Rating 6.4/10 (2,379) Tense and intriguing WWII submarine drama about a dangerous mission carried out by a demolition expert , James Garner. Well starred by Edmond O'Brien and James ...
[3]
'Up Periscope' screenplay | Florida State University ArchivesSpace
Screenplay by Richard H. Landau from the novel by Robb White. Property of Lakeside Pictures, Inc., Warner Bros. Studio, Burbank, California. 123 pages.
[4]
Up Periscope - Movies ala Mark
Apr 16, 2018 · Glub went the sub, as its boxoffice wake of $3,890,000 only made it to berth #61 that year. Garner, in his autobio, depth-charged it as “Another ...
[5]
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053399/trivia
[6]
Up Periscope - Rotten Tomatoes
Rating 32% (16) Synopsis A by-the-book submarine commander (Edmond O'Brien) must drop off and wait for a Navy frogman (James Garner) on a World War II mission.
[7]
Up periscope by Robb White | Open Library
5-day returnsUp Periscope provides younger readers an in depth look of the workings of a WWII American submarine. Lt. Ken Braden is fresh out of the US Navy's underwater ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
[8]
Robb White | U.S. Naval Institute
He had resigned after graduation but returned to active duty in 1941 and served throughout World War II, primarily in the Pacific where he was administrative ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[9]
Robb White | Research Starters - EBSCO
When World War II broke out, White served as an ensign in the Pacific Theater until 1945, and he served again as a captain from 1947 to 1948. He was separated ...
[10]
Up Periscope by Robb White - Fantastic Fiction
Based on a true story, UP PERISCOPE is the tale of frogman Lt.(j.g.) Ken Braden, a young Navy reservist who is chosen for a covert mission to a Japanese ...
[11]
Up periscope : White, Robb, 1909-1990 - Internet Archive
Nov 1, 2010 · Up periscope. by: White, Robb, 1909-1990. Publication date: 1956. Publisher: Garden City, N.Y., Doubleday. Collection: internetarchivebooks ...
[12]
The world's most comprehensive Film database - AFI Catalog
Aubrey Schenck ... An Aug 1957 DV news item reported that the rights to Robb White's novel Up Periscope were purchased by the "producing trio" of Edwin F.
[13]
CECELIA PARKER IN 'HARDY' MOVIE; Kid Sister In Series Ending ...
... Up Periscope" for theatrical release. The picture is to be produced for Warners by its independent associates, Edwin F. Zabel, Howard W. Koch and Aubrey ...
[14]
https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/16491/up-periscope
[15]
Up Periscope
### Summary of Filming and Production of *Up Periscope* (1959)
[16]
FILMING SAN DIEGO HOLLYWOOD'S BACKLOT, 1898-2002
Apr 1, 2002 · Other World War II submarine movies with San Diego locations included Up Periscope (1959) starring James Garner and Operation Petticoat (1959) ...
[17]
Up Periscope (1959) - Filming & production - IMDb
Filming locations ; Pacific Ocean. (submarine USS Tilefish) · 7 ; Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA. (Studio) · 2.Missing: details | Show results with:details
[18]
James Garner of 'Maverick,' 'Rockford Files,' Dies at 86 - Variety
Jul 20, 2014 · Amiable film and television actor James Garner ... In the meantime, Warners was serving him frustrating fare like “Up Periscope” and “Cash McCall.<|control11|><|separator|>
[19]
https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/79323%7C8782/Alan-Hale-Jr
[20]
Up Periscope (1959) - Release info - IMDb
Release date · United States. March 4, 1959(New York City, New York) · Italy. April 9, 1959(Torino) · Japan. April 19, 1959 · Netherlands. May 8, 1959 · Italy. May 9 ...
[21]
1959 Top Grossing Movies | Ultimate Movie Rankings
Up Periscope (1959), James Garner & Warren Oates, 3.9, 76.3, 148.90, 66, 57, 00 / 00, 68.3. 80, Westbound (1959) ... 1959 Box Office Grosses – Adjusted World Wide.
[22]
DVD Savant Review: Up Periscope
Starring James Garner, Edmond O'Brien, Andra Martin, Alan Hale Jr., Carleton Carpenter, Frank Gifford, William Leslie, Richard Bakalyan, Edd Byrnes
[23]
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7765/9781847791863.00009/html
[24]
Up Periscope | VHSCollector.com
May 18, 2014 · Release Year 1992. Country United States. Format Details VHS | N/A | Slipcase. Running Time N/A (NTSC). Audio / Screen / CC N/A | N/A | N/A.
[25]
Up Periscope! DVD
### Summary of Up Periscope! DVD Release
[26]
Up Periscope streaming: where to watch movie online? - JustWatch
Lieutenant Braden discovers that Sally, the woman he's been falling in love with, has actually been checking out his qualifications to be a U.S. Navy frogman.Missing: summary | Show results with:summary<|control11|><|separator|>
[27]
https://www.blu-ray.com/digital/Up-Periscope-Digital/8201/
[28]
Oscar Actors: Garner, James–Background, Career, Awards
Dec 14, 2020 · ... Up Periscope and Cash McCall.[22]. 1960s. After his acrimonious ... Awards and nominations. Nominated for 15 Emmy Awards during his ...
[29]
None
### Mentions and Analysis of *Up Periscope* (1959)
[30]
4 The submarine war and the submarine film
### Summary of Analysis of *Up Periscope* (1959) from Chapter 4
[31]
Gordon Douglas | American Film Director & Actor | Britannica
Sep 20, 2025 · ... Up Periscope (1959), in which James Garner portrayed a navy frogman during World War II. One of Douglas's last films at Warner Brothers was ...<|separator|>