Operation Pacific (1951)

65% of users liked it
(2,521 ratings)

Set during WW II, this film casts John Wayne as Duke Gifford, two-fisted submarine commander. Patricia Neal co-stars as Mary Stuart, Duke's former wife. Duke's hopes of staging a reconciliation are constantly interrupted by a series of life-threatening circumstances, capped by the rescue of a group… More Set during WW II, this film casts John Wayne as Duke Gifford, two-fisted submarine commander. Patricia Neal co-stars as Mary Stuart, Duke's former wife. Duke's hopes of staging a reconciliation are constantly interrupted by a series of life-threatening circumstances, capped by the rescue of a group of orphans from a Japanese-held island. Featured in the cast are old John Wayne cronies Ward Bond and Jack Pennick, as well as TV's future Jim Bowie, Scott Forbes. Operation Pacific might prove a fascinating companion feature to 1964's In Harm's Way, which reteamed John Wayne and Patricia Neal in another WW II Navy yarn. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: George Waggner
Written By: George Waggner
Genres: Action & Adventure, Romance, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 27, 1951 Wide
On DVD: May 13, 2003

Critic Reviews

John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Even the music is over-the-top, with sudsy melodies or stirring tunes signaling each change in activity.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...typical of John Wayne's war films: heroic, nationalistic, patriotic, sentimental, and hokey.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
The most interesting element of this typical John Wayne WWII picture is his relationship with his former wife, played by the estimable Patricia Neal.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Routine WW II submarine film that's lengthy and short on action but long on romance.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

One of my favorite WWII dramas.
Dean M

Action, suspense, comedy and romance are nicely mixed in this fact-based film about the rush to perfect American torpedoes during World War II.

Cast

            John Wayne as Cmdr. "Duke" Gifford

            Patricia Neal as Mary Stuart

            Ward Bond as Capt. "Pop" Perry

            Scott Forbes as Larry

            Philip Carey as Bob Perry

            Paul Picerni as Jonesy

            Kathryn Givney as Cmdr. Steele

            Martin Milner as Caldwell

            Cliff Clark as Comsubpac

            Jack Pennick as The Chief

            Virginia Brissac as Sister Anne

            Vincent Fotre as Soundman

            Lewis  Martin as Squad commander

            Louis Mosconi as Radarman

            Sam Edwards as Junior

            Michael St. Angel as Lt. Jorgenson

            John Baer as Figher Pilot

            Bob Carson as Torpedo Officer

            Gail Davis as Virginia Blithe

            Chris Drake as Sparks

            James Flavin as Mick Shore Patrol commander

            Gordon Geberl as Tommy Kirby

            Ray Hyke as Talker

            Gayle Kellogg as Herbie

            Al Kikume as Hawaiian

            Brett King as Lt. Ernie Stark

            Harry Lauter as Freddie

            Richard Loo as Japanese Flyer

            Bob Nash as Quartermaster

            Carl Saxe as Shore Patrolman

            Bill Self as Helmsman

            Milburn Stone as Ground Control Officer

            Harlan Warde as Admiral's aide

            Steve Wayne as Rafferty

            Dick Wessel as Mess Sergeant

            Mack Williams
            
            Carleton Young as Instructor

            Keith Larsen
            
            William Campbell as The Talker
See full cast