What Is Submarine Patrol About?
The premise of Submarine Patrol in 338 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the midst of World War I’s grand naval pageantry, a modest convoy of aging vessels skims the Adriatic, far from the glittering battleships that dominate the headlines. The film settles into this lesser‑known corner of the fleet—a “splinter fleet” of submarine chasers that look as weary as the sailors who keep them afloat. The tone balances brisk, light‑hearted comedy with the earnest grit of wartime service, letting the audience feel both the claustrophobic intimacy of a cramped deck and the expansive ambition of a navy in motion.
Perry Townsend III arrives on the scene with the swagger of a privileged scion, having slipped into the service through family connections and little training. Quickly finding himself relegated to the role of chief engineer aboard the ramshackle S.C. 599, he must adapt to a ship whose reputation matches its rust‑spotted hull. The crew he inherits is a motley collection of seasoned sailors and reluctant newcomers, each carrying their own grudges and jokes. Their rough camaraderie clashes with Townsend’s city‑slick sensibilities, setting up a comedic tug‑of‑war between authority and improvisation.
When a junior lieutenant is reassigned after a disciplinary mishap, the command falls to John C. Drake, a seasoned officer tasked with turning the misfit vessel into a functional fighting unit. Drake’s no‑nonsense approach meets the crew’s laid‑back habits, and together they navigate the uneasy balance of discipline and loyalty. Amid the ship’s creaking deck, Susan Leeds appears, a spirited dock worker with ties to the merchant marine, sparking a romantic thread that weaves through the disciplined routine. Her protective father, a stern captain, adds an extra layer of tension, hinting at the obstacles the budding relationship will face.
The atmosphere buzzes with salty humor, the clatter of rivets, and the ever‑present hum of engines preparing for unknown duties. As the crew learns to trust one another, the film promises a blend of swashbuckling naval adventure and heartfelt romance, all set against the backdrop of a war that tests both skill and character without ever losing its breezy, earnest charm.
What Happens in Submarine Patrol?
The complete story of Submarine Patrol, from the first scene to the last, in 513 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In Brooklyn, Perry Townsend III [Richard Greene] uses his admiral-connected clout to slip into the Navy for World War I, bypassing any training whatsoever, and is immediately assigned as chief engineer of the sub chaser S. C. 599, a unit of the so-called “splinter fleet.” On the way to the ship, he fixes a stalled truck engine for Susan Leeds [Nancy Kelly], who remains unimpressed, just as is his girlfriend Anne [Joan Valerie]. Later, Townsend hitches a ride with Leeds and grows closer to her, learning that she works aboard her father’s freighter, the Maria Ann, which ferries war supplies.
A yachtsman by nature, Townsend is skeptical of his new ship and its disgruntled, slovenly crew. Yet the sailors warm to him when he treats them to a night out at a dive, paying for drinks. There, he encounters Susan again with her father’s first mate McAlliston [John Carradine], and Townsend escorts her to a stylish spot for drinks and dancing. After he sees her home at 4 a.m., she kisses him before she goes to her cabin. But her father, Captain Leeds [George Bancroft], orders Townsend to stop seeing his daughter. Townsend continues visiting anyway, and Captain Leeds eventually catches wind of the affair and punches Townsend.
Meanwhile, Lt. (jg.) John C. Drake [Preston Foster] has been found guilty of “gross negligence” for being on watch when his destroyer ran aground. He is given command of the 599, and a sympathetic superior entrusts him with four veteran seamen, including Drake’s old friend Sails Quincannon [J. Farrell MacDonald]. Drake quickly imposes discipline, while Townsend complains to the admiral and is told to do his job.
Drake is ordered to escort a convoy to Italy, which includes Susan’s freighter. On the night of Friday the 13th, lookout Pratt [Elisha Cook Jr.] raises a false alarm, followed by a genuine sighting of a periscope. The 599 sinks a German U-boat with depth charges and reaches the port of Brindisi.
Townsend, unable to speak to Susan, sends a message asking her to meet him at the Hotel Rex and tells her that he loves her. There, he proposes; she agrees, but her father arrives, punches Townsend again, and drags Susan back to the ship. Before Townsend can act, he learns that the 599 has immediate orders to sail for a strike on a submarine nicknamed “Old Man 26,” which has just claimed its 31st victim. Its Adriatic base is concealed behind a dense minefield, so Drake is only allowed to take volunteers — and every crewman volunteers. In the meantime, Captain Leeds discovers that Townsend has, in fact, arranged to marry Susan. He hurries to the 599, but Townsend knock him out before he can intervene. When Captain Leeds comes to, he learns of the mission and joins Townsend in the engine room.
Drake sinks the enemy submarine and returns in triumph. The wedding plans proceed only to be put on hold as the 599 is ordered to Malta for repairs. The Maria Ann comes alongside again, and Susan declares that she will wait for Townsend.
Submarine Patrol Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Townsend secures Navy commission via connections” to “Old Man 26 sunk; Malta repairs; Susan waits”. 15 events name a place, across 15 locations.
- 1
Townsend secures Navy commission via connections
Perry Townsend III leverages his relationship with an admiral to enlist in the Navy for World War I without any formal training. He is immediately assigned as chief engineer of the sub chaser S.C. 599, becoming a flashy, high-society-minded officer in charge of a ship and crew. This moves him from Brooklyn luxury to wartime duties with unexpected authority.
Where:Brooklyn, New York
- 2
Fixes a stalled truck, meets Susan Leeds
On the way to the ship, Townsend helps fix a stalled truck engine for Susan Leeds, demonstrating practical resourcefulness. Susan and her father remain unimpressed by his showy lifestyle, setting up a conflict of class and ambition. Townsend's charm begins to cut through the rough-edged world of naval duty.
Where:Road to the ship
- 3
Townsend warms the crew with a night out
Townsend wins over the crew by taking them to a dive bar and paying for their drinks. The sailors warm to his carefree, larger-than-life persona, softening their skepticism about a debutant officer. This moment foreshadows his later, more popular leadership aboard the 599.
Where:Local port dive bar
- 4
Romance grows with Susan at a social outing
Townsend escorts Susan to a fancy establishment for drinks and dancing, signaling the start of a dangerous romance. Their attraction grows despite the looming conflict between class and duty. The night hints at a future that may collide with Townsend's naval obligations.
Where:Fancy establishment
- 5
4 AM kiss after seeing her home
After Townsend sees Susan's home at 4:00 AM, she leans in and kisses him, sealing a fragile moment of affection amid the war's urgency. The kiss deepens Townsend's resolve to pursue the relationship, even as dangers close in.
When:04:00 AM Where:Susan's home
- 6
Susan's father forbids the relationship
Susan's father orders Townsend to stop seeing his daughter, warning him off his privileged family. Townsend refuses to back down, insisting the affair will continue despite the prohibition.
Where:Susan's residence
- 7
Townsend persists; Captain Leeds confronts him
Townsend continues seeing Susan despite the father's orders, and Captain Leeds confronts him, escalating the feud with a punch. The assault underscores the tension between personal desire and military duty.
Where:Near Susan's residence or ship area
- 8
Drake assumes command and imposes discipline
Lieutenant Drake is found guilty of negligence in a separate incident but is given command of the 599. His superior enforces discipline on the crew, including Townsend, as the ship transitions to a more formal wartime structure.
Where:Naval base / aboard 599
- 9
Convoy to Italy including Maria Ann
Drake is ordered to escort a convoy to Italy that includes Susan's freighter, the Maria Ann. Townsend serves aboard the 599, pulling with the rest of the crew into a dangerous escort mission amid war conditions.
Where:Aboard 599; Atlantic to Italy
- 10
Friday the 13th night: periscope encounter
On the night of Friday the 13th, a false alarm is followed by a real periscope sighting. The 599 uses depth charges to sink a German U-boat and then continues toward Brindisi, surviving another close call in the Adriatic.
When:Friday night Where:Adriatic Sea; Brindisi
Show the other 5 events of Submarine Patrol Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The 599 reaches Brindisi
The convoy reaches Brindisi after the submarine engagement, marking a strategic victory and a moment of relief for the crew. The Italians' port becomes a vital waypoint in their wartime voyage.
Where:Brindisi, Italy
- 12
Hotel Rex: love declared
Townsend sends a message to Susan to meet him at the Hotel Rex and declares his love. He proposes, and Susan appears to accept, elevating the real risk of their relationship into a wartime future.
Where:Hotel Rex
- 13
Father interrupts, mission announced
Captain Leeds arrives and drags Susan back to the ship, interrupting the reunion. Townsend is told the 599 is about to sail on a dangerous mission, increasing the urgency of their already fragile romance.
Where:Hotel Rex and on board 599
- 14
Engine room alliance
Townsend confronts the imminent assignment and, after a confrontation, Captain Leeds agrees to join the engine room crew. The two men prepare to work side by side on the attack against Old Man 26.
Where:599's engine room
- 15
Old Man 26 sunk; Malta repairs; Susan waits
Drake and Townsend succeed in sinking Old Man 26 and the 599 returns in triumph. The ship is ordered to Malta for repairs, and the Maria Ann arrives alongside; Susan proclaims she will wait for Townsend, keeping hope alive for their future.
Where:Malta
Who Are the Main Characters in Submarine Patrol?
7 characters, among them Perry Townsend III (Richard Greene), Susan Leeds (Nancy Kelly) and Captain Leeds (George Bancroft): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- PT
Perry Townsend III (Richard Greene)
Played by Richard Greene
A Brooklyn-born millionaire playboy who joins the Navy to impress Susan Leeds, bypassing training to become chief engineer of the S.C. 599. His arrogance gradually yields to responsibility as he earns the crew's respect and navigates a forbidden romance with Susan. He ultimately risks the mission to secure his future with the woman he loves.
- 💼 Wealth
- ⚓ Naval life
- 💘 Romance
- 🧭 Leadership
- SL
Susan Leeds (Nancy Kelly)
Played by Nancy Kelly
Daughter of Captain Leeds, she works on her father's freighter Maria Ann and becomes Townsend's love interest. She defies her father's orders by continuing the relationship, then supports Townsend's decision to marry despite wartime obstacles. Her loyalty to Townsend sustains the romance through upheaval.
- 🚢 Dynamics
- ❤️ Romance
- 👩💼 Maritime life
-
Captain Leeds (George Bancroft)
Played by George Bancroft
Susan's father, a stern sea captain who disapproves of Townsend and tries to keep his daughter away from the risky romance. He confronts Townsend with fists and tries to protect his daughter from danger. His authority and sense of duty clash with Townsend's audacious ambitions until the mission tests them both.
- ⚓ Authority
- 🗡️ Conflict
- 👨✈️ Naval leadership
- L(
Lt. (j.g.) John C. Drake (Preston Foster)
Played by Preston Foster
A seasoned officer who has to redeem a past failure by commanding the 599 and enforcing discipline among the crew. He earns the crew's respect, coordinates the convoy escort, and leads the crisis against the U-boat. His leadership and courage underpin the mission's success.
- ⚔️ Leadership
- 🛡️ Discipline
- 🚢 Naval life
- SQ
Sails Quincannon (J. Farrell MacDonald)
Played by J. Farrell MacDonald
A veteran seaman who serves as a mentor figure for Drake's crew and helps maintain order aboard the 599. He embodies the wartime spirit of camaraderie and duty, supporting Townsend and the men when the pressure mounts. His experience anchors the ship's morale.
- 🧭 Veteran
- 🤝 Mentorship
- 🗺️ Navy life
-
Rutherford Davis Pratt, 'The Professor' (Elisha Cook Jr.)
Played by Elisha Cook Jr.
A seaman nicknamed 'The Professor' whose caution and curiosity contribute to tensions aboard the ship, including a false alarm. He underscores the thin line between vigilance and panic at sea. His presence adds a layer of intellectual curiosity and undercuts bravado with moments of doubt.
- 🧠 Vigilance
- 🧭 Seafaring life
- ⚠️ Tension
- A(
Anne (Joan Valerie)
Played by Joan Valerie
A character connected to the social scene and to the ship's human element, included among the cast. She appears in scenes that reflect civilian life intersecting with wartime service, underscoring how love and relationships persist beyond the military setting.
- 🎭 Drama
- ❤️ Relationships
- 🏙️ Social life
Where and When Is Submarine Patrol Set?
Submarine Patrol is set in Brooklyn, Brindisi, Adriatic Sea and Malta (World War I (1914-1918)). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
World War I (1914-1918)
The events unfold during the First World War, a period of global naval warfare and U-boat threats. The crew fights in the Adriatic theatre, escorting convoys and confronting submarines. The era's urgency and military protocols shape the characters' decisions and relationships.
Where
Brooklyn, Brindisi, Adriatic Sea, Malta
The story begins in Brooklyn as Perry Townsend III seeks a Navy career. The action moves to the Adriatic Sea and Brindisi in Italy during World War I, with naval patrols and perilous submarine hunts. The Maria Ann and wartime ports anchor the setting, highlighting key locations and sea lanes.
- 🌆 Port towns
- ⚓ Naval
- 🕰️ World War I
What Are the Themes of Submarine Patrol?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Duty vs Privilege, Love and Duty and Camaraderie and Courage.
-
01
Duty vs Privilege
Perry Townsend III uses his wealth and connections to join the Navy without training, challenging the idea that status guarantees competence. The story tests whether privilege can substitute for discipline and skill in a high-stakes environment. The shipboard crew learns to value merit and leadership earned through action, not pedigree. The tension between Townsend's background and his responsibilities drives much of the film's conflict and growth.
-
02
Love and Duty
Townsend's romance with Susan Leeds becomes complicated by parental authority and wartime duty. Their clandestine affection collides with Captain Leeds's orders and the demands of the mission. The Hotel Rex proposal scene underlines the pull between personal happiness and service to country. Susan's vow to wait for Townsend shows how love persists amid upheaval.
-
03
Camaraderie and Courage
The crew's loyalty is tested as Townsend earns their respect and Drake imposes discipline. Four veteran seamen volunteer for the dangerous strike against the submarine, demonstrating communal courage. The movie emphasizes teamwork, sacrifice, and the idea that bravery is a group effort, not just individual heroism. This camaraderie ultimately enables the mission's success.
What Kind of Film Is Submarine Patrol?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A hopeful and rousing World War I naval adventure that follows a playboy's transformation amidst sea battles and a complicated romance, culminating in triumph and a promise of love.
- patriotic
- rousing
- romantic
- dramatic
- adventurous
- hopeful
- world war i
- naval warfare
- military discipline
- romantic rivalry
Content notes: war violence, military discipline.
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