Submarine (1928 film)
Submarine is a 1928 American drama directed by Frank Capra. It used synchronized sound with music and sound effects but no spoken dialogue. The film stars Jack Holt, Ralph Graves, and Dorothy Revier. It was Columbia Pictures’ second sound feature and Capra's first try at an A-picture.
Two Navy divers, Jack Dorgan and Bob Mason, are stationed in China. They face danger together, and Bob saves Jack during a risky underwater mission. Later Jack marries Bessie, a lively dancer he meets in a port town. Bessie loves nightlife, and Jack longs for a quiet home. When Jack is away on a mission, Bessie resumes her old life and begins an affair with Bob, who doesn’t know she is Jack’s wife.
When Jack returns, he learns the truth and thinks Bob betrayed him. He pushes Bob away. Meanwhile Bob’s submarine sinks in a deep-sea accident. Only Jack can dive deep enough to reach them. Bessie begs Jack to save Bob. After she confesses her affair, Jack agrees and descends to rescue the crew. In the submarine, the crew struggle as air runs low, but Jack manages to get them all rescued.
Months later, Jack and Bob walk together in a foreign port, their friendship stronger. Bessie has returned to the dance halls with a new sailor.
The film includes a theme song, “Pals, Just Pals.” Copies of the film exist in several archives.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:42 (CET).