The Frogmen (1951)

John Chard

5.5

Feb 12, 2015

Frogs Abound In WWII. Directed by Lloyd Bacon and starring Richard Widmark, Dana Andrews, Gary Merrill, Jeffrey Hunter and Robert Wagner. Plot finds Widmark as a strict disciplinarian who takes command of the Navy Underwater Demolition Team and quickly upsets the men with his forceful ways. With the team building up to a crucial mission the question is if the men and commander can find an accord for the war effort? Like the men at the film’s heart, this is a sturdy war film that’s for those who don’t mind the focus being more on characterisations than action. The sets and construction of…

CinemaSerf

7.0

Apr 2, 2023

Richard Widmark is the new, hard-nosed, squandron commander "Lawrence" who takes charge of a specialist underwater diving team after the death - in action - of their previous boss. He is trying to make his presence felt and they - led by "Chief Flannigan" (Dana Andrews) are clear they want little to do with him. He changes their training regime, intensifies it, reinvigorates it - and makes it clear that he is now in charge. Gradually, some of the men realise that maybe he's not such a bad guy and Lloyd Bacon quickly sidelines the personality conflicts to turn out a series of action escapades a…