Operation Petticoat (1959) DVD Review

There are two cinema legends that seemed to be able to seamlessly move between comedy and drama. Those two men were Tony Curtis and the great Cary Grant. Together these two have starred in some of the best films in cinema history. But put them together and your got something special.

Well, in 1959 Republic Pictures did just that. Producers teamed these two together with a submarine, and a pink one at that. The film was a romantic comedy adventure entitled Operation Petticoat. Now this comedy classic is arriving on DVD!

It's hijinks on the high seas when revered Lt. Cmdr. Matt T. Sherman (Grant) and the somewhat unethical Lt. JG Nicholas Holden (Curtis) team to upright the USS Sea Tiger, a flagging submarine that's seen better days. With some dubious maneuvering (and scavenged parts), things begin to look up for the old war horse until the ship and its crew are forced out to sea by a surprise attack. Limping along and barely held together with its borrowed parts, the Sea Tiger gets some unexpected company when five stranded Army nurses are brought aboard. The game gals will prove that necessity is indeed the mother of invention, initiating a series of renovations to make life aboard the Sea Tiger livable with the exception of the sub's accidental pink paint job. Not only is the ship now an eyesore, but a target for both the Japanese and American forces.

Operation Petticoat is a fun and entertaining film. It was masterfully directed by Blake Edwards, who may be best known for the pink Panther film series. Cary Grant and Tony Curtis are spectacular in this film, but there is a pretty impressive supporting cast including, Gavin MacLeod (The Love Boat and McHale's Navy), Marion Ross (Happy Days), Frank Sutton (Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.), Dick Sargent (Bewitched), Joan O'Brien (It Happened at the World's Fair), Virginia Gregg (Spencer's Mountain), Dina Merrill (The Courtship of Eddie's Father).

Operation Petticoat was such a popular release that it became the third highest-grossing film on 1959, earning a spectacular $9.3 million plus in the United States and Canada. It was also one of the most financially successful film of Cary Grant's career. Which is saying something.

Allied Vaughn has transferred Operation Petticoat to DVD-r in widescreen format and in Dolby Digital mono audio. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The film transfer looks and sound pretty impressive. There are no signs of damage to this print, the colors are bright, and the flesh tones are correct. 

There is only one downside that I found in this release. There are no bonus features added on this DVD. I wish there would have been a bonus of the film trailer or commentary. But that is a minor complaint. The major thing is to see this film in good quality on DVD and that we have.

I am a huge fan of Cary Grant. He is one of my favorites to watch on film. He has such a debonaire way about him and his comedy seems natural, never forced. I am so glad to have Operation Petticoat on DVD in my collection.

So if you are a fan or military comedies or Cary Grant Operation Petticoat is a must add addition to your collection. You can order a DVD for yourself or a friend by heading over to Amazon or MovieZyng today.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) the DVD of Operation Petticoat receives....