7.01.2010

operation petticoat


the year: 1959

the genre: comedy


the cast: Cary Grant (Lt. Cmdr. Matt T. Sherman); Tony Curtis (Lt. JG Nicholas Holden); Joan O’Brien (Lt. Dolores Crandall RN); Dina Merrill (Lt. Barbara Duran RN); Gavin MacLeod (Ernest Hunkle); Arthur O’Connell (Chief Machinist’s Mate Sam Tostin)


the plot: A sub load of problems confront submarine Commander Matt Sherman when his once brand new sub, The Sea Tiger, is severely damaged in a bombing raid at the beginning of WWII. With some illegal scavenging headed up by the newly transferred supply officer, Lieutenant Nick Holden, the crew manages to turn their submarine into a real fixer upper (that can move a little, and perhaps even submerge - if they don't do it too often). As they limp to another port to get the needed repair parts, the crew is forced to bring aboard a group of Army nurses. Having the nurses aboard causes some interesting problems as they all get to know each other in the cramped space of the sub – while a war is on.



count: how many cans of white paint and how many cans of red paint equal “embarassing”.



don’t miss: Seaman Hornsby. He’s a complete swine. Oh, and the witch doctor - that's a good part, too.


listen for: "Subject, Toilet paper. One: on 6 June 1941, this vessel submitted a requisition for 150 rolls of toilet paper. On 16 December 1941 the requisition was returned with stamped notation, 'Cannot identify material required.' Two: the commanding officer of the USS Sea Tiger cannot help but wonder what is being used at the Caviti Supply Depot as a substitute for this unidentifiable material once so well known to this command."





did you know: Bob Hope always said it was his biggest regret that he turned down this movie.




also listen for: “I'm a religious man, Captain, and I believe we'll get through if the Good Lord puts His mind to it. Of course, He'll have to give us His undivided attention”



also listen for: “I suggest you "wow" less and "tsk tsk tsk" a little more!”


extra bonus points: if you can tell me which ship Gavin MacLeod (he played Hunkle) would captain in the 70s-80s.

5 comments:

Erika said...

Ooh, ooh! I know! I just don't want to steal ALL the bonuses. I will just say that it "promises something for everyone." :)

I can't imagine Bob Hope in this. Was he supposed to be the captain???

Laney said...

I'm glad Erika asked the question. Which part was he offered? I just can't imagine the cast being changed up at all.

B Porter said...

Just beware of a woman in the engine room!

Millie Motts said...

Answer: Gavin MacLeod played Captain Stubbing of The Love Boat.

It didn't say which part, but I agree - you can't improve on perfection.

Scott said...

Blogger bporter said...

Just beware of a woman in the engine room!

And a pig in the head!