IMDb > Operation Petticoat (1959)
Operation Petticoat
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Operation Petticoat (1959) More at IMDbPro »

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IMDb Holiday Movie Guide

Overview

User Rating:
7.2/10   4,226 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 8% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Paul King (story) and
Joseph Stone (story) ...
more
Contact:
View company contact information for Operation Petticoat on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
18 December 1959 (Japan) more
Genre:
Tagline:
20,000 Laughs Under The Sea! more
Plot:
World War 2 comedy about a submarine commander who finds himself stuck with a decrepit (and pink) sub, a con-man executive officer and a group of army nurses. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations more
NewsDesk:
User Comments:
Curtis and Grant at their peak. more (44 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

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
Gene Evans ... Chief Molumphry
Dick Sargent ... Ens. Stovall (as Richard Sargent)
Virginia Gregg ... Maj. Edna Heywood RN
Robert F. Simon ... Capt. J.B. Henderson
Robert Gist ... Lt. Watson

Gavin MacLeod ... Ernest Hunkle
George Dunn ... The Prophet
Dick Crockett ... Harmon
Madlyn Rhue ... Lt. Reid RN

Marion Ross ... Lt. Colfax RN
Clarence Lung ... Sgt. Ramon Gillardo (as Clarence E. Lung)
more
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Additional Details

Runtime:
124 min | Germany:100 min | Canada:120 min (Ontario)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)
Certification:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Tina Louise was offered but turned down the role of Nurse Crandall that then went to Joan O'Brien because Louise didn't like the abundant boob jokes directed at the character. more
Goofs:
Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): Cary Grant's character walks down a passageway in full uniform but wearing non-regulation sandals. In the next scene, he is walking back up the passageway wearing regulation Navy black shoes and socks. more
Quotes:
Lt. Cmdr. Matt T. Sherman: It's like watching a strip tease. Don't ask how it's done, just enjoy what's coming off. more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in The Pink Panther Story (2003) (V) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
8 out of 8 people found the following comment useful.
Curtis and Grant at their peak., 9 August 2003
Author: redservo from North Carolina

A wry and lighthearted look at the U.S. Navy in 1941. Cary Grant and Tony Curtis shine amongst a wonderful supporting cast in this fictional story inspired by an actual incident that occurred during WWII. So many war movies are depressing, while others are completely ridiculous. This film, while full of sexual innuendo and lighthearted humor, still manages to keep it's humanity, with one foot planted firmly in the reality of the Pacific theater.

A jaunty tale of an injured sub, a few army nurses, a group of lonely sailors, and some pink paint. The direction is above par for the time period and genre, the writing is bright and witty, even for today's standards, and the performances are thoroughly entertaining.

This is a recommended must-see for fans of Curtis and Grant. Grab the popcorn and soda and enjoy! I give this charming 1959 classic a 7 out of 10.

Was the above comment useful to you?
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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Operation Petticoat (1959)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
goof? AMadAngel
favorite lauraloveduke13
Not the best Cary Grant. sherm50
ONBOARD QUEENFISH SS393 IN 1959 FOR FILMING OF OPERATION PETTICOAT DrJohnGriffin
Pink sub returning to harbor bdittus
Bob Hope judyb83
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