The Atomic Submarine

source: The Atomic Submarine

The Atomic Submarine

Atomic submarine lanes near the North Pole are being invaded. A string of submariners turn to the government for help. Summoned is the U.S.S. Tiger Shark to deal with the complaints. It is finally determined that the mysterious menace is a one-eyed creature probably from outer space and it appears to have all the power and capabilities than the smartest scientists can imagine. This attacker seems to be being powered by a submerged flying saucer. The world is counting on the Tiger Shark to at least neutralize the monster and destroy the saucer guiding it. Spenser Gordon Bennet directs this B-movie horror flick that stars some familiar actors: Arthur Franz, Bob Steele, Dick Foran, Brett Halsey, Joi Lansing, Jack Muhall and Sid Melton.

Which so many familiar Sci-Fi/Horror Genre faces in the cast and with a really cool monster at the end, I feel this 1959 film is loads of fun to watch. I recommend it mainly to those fans of 1950s/60s style Sci-Fi and submarine adventure tales(such as IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA, SUBMARINE SEAHAWK, VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA, etc.).

I decided recently to dive into Criterion's collection of films to find some good stuff that I have either wanted to watch for a long time or that I've never heard of. "The Atomic Submarine" fell into the latter category, and I decided to pair it with "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" as a Criterion sci-fi double feature. I was left wondering what it is about "The Atomic Submarine" that compelled Criterion to select it over the hundred other similar 50s sci-fi movies they could have included. It's not much longer than a single episode of any number of television series, and it looks like it was made for about $5. It's entertaining in that kitschy retro way that films of this genre from this time period always are, but I found myself trying hard and failing to see what was so good about it that it warrants inclusion in a list of culturally significant films. The most interesting thing about it to me was that it features the brother of George Sanders in a supporting role. Grade: C

The Atomic Submarine is atmospheric and creepy, especially when out in the frozen wastes of the North Pole. A lot of stock footage didn't spoil my enjoyment, although we see different submarines. Good performances from 50s B movie regulars like Arthur Franz and Tom Conway keep the movie going. The monster in the flying saucer has to be seen to be believed. Great stuff, considering the low budget. Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

"Atomic Submarine" has two things to recommend it to viewers. It is adventure, with all sorts of dangerous situations, and a desperate battle against an undersea alien. And, it is unintentionally funny. Not hilarious mind you; but certainly funny enough for a few laughs as you enjoy its clumsy attempts at plot, acting and logic. Still, I like it, and I always watch it if it comes on cable. Its the adventure I guess. I get caught up in the idea of the powerful submarine; the crew at odds with each other; the "science-on-the-fly" they use to fight the monster. Its fun overall. I would venture to say that it is one of the classics of the 50's-60's low budget sci fi era. This film is also notable for a brief appearance by Joi Lansing; the last, and prettiest, of the Hollywood "blonde bombshells". It's certainly worth watching if you're a guy, and a sci-fi fan. With a little imagination, "Atomic Submarine" is entertaining escapism.