1941

1941

Year: 1979

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

Director: Steven Spielberg

ActionComedyWar

Following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Los Angeles is thrown into a state of panic and confusion. A ragtag group of soldiers and civilians find themselves caught up in a chaotic series of events as rumors of an imminent Japanese invasion spread. Amidst the escalating hysteria and elaborate special effects, they must navigate a comical and over-the-top situation, ultimately preparing to defend Hollywood's iconic coastline.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – 1941 (1979)

Trace every key event in 1941 (1979) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Japanese Submarine Surfaces

On December 13, 1941, a young woman swimming alone on a beach in northern California unexpectedly encounters the Japanese submarine I-19 surfacing beneath her. As she clings to the periscope, the submarine's commander, Akiro Mitamura, emerges with his crew, setting the stage for a daring mission along the U.S. West Coast.

December 13, 1941 Northern California Coast
2

Submarine Crew Discusses Mission

Commander Mitamura informs German naval captain Wolfgang von Kleinschmidt of their intention to strike at honorable targets along the coast. After some bickering, they agree to target Hollywood, hoping to evade detection while undocking from their submarine.

Onboard the I-19
3

Wally's Dance Contest Plans

In Los Angeles, dishwasher Wally Stephens shares his aspirations to enter a dance contest with his ex-girlfriend Betty. However, tensions rise when tank crew chief Sgt. Frank Tree's men confront Wally, leading to a scuffle that reveals Wally's troubled past.

Los Angeles Diner
4

Wally and Dennis Get Fired

After persistently trying to secure a night off, Wally and his friend Dennis are both fired from their jobs at the diner. This dismissal intensifies Wally's desperation to reconnect with Betty and impress her.

Diner in Los Angeles
5

USO Show Training

Betty Douglas and her friend Maxine engage in rigorous training to become taxi girl dancers for an upcoming USO show. Meanwhile, Wally is growing increasingly frustrated with their obstacles to investing in the dance contest while he plots to steal a zoot suit.

Los Angeles Nightclub
6

Wild Bill's Chaos

Captain Wild Bill Kelso, a manic US Army pilot, lands his stolen fighter plane at a gas station in Death Valley. In a chaotic turn of events, he accidentally blows up the station while attempting to take off after refueling.

12:00 PM Death Valley, California
7

Major General Stilwell Attempts Control

Major General Joseph Stilwell faces the chaos unfolding in Los Angeles amid war hysteria. As he tries to maintain order, his secretary Donna and assistant Captain Loomis Birkhead's playful antics lead to a mishap involving a bomb, causing a panic during a press conference.

Los Angeles Airbase
8

Chaos at the Douglas Home

Wally, dressed in his stolen zoot suit, faces Mr. Douglas's anger over his past mistakes while seeking to ask Betty out. Amid escalating tensions, Wally gets involved in fateful events that lead to a series of confrontations and misunderstandings.

Douglas Home
9

Japanese Submarine Gets Lost

The crew of the Japanese submarine I-19 becomes disoriented as their compass fails. Commander Mitamura dispatches a landing party to capture a local timber merchant, leading to an unusual exchange and unexpected trouble for the captors.

California Coast
10

Nighttime Riot Breaks Out

A wild brawl erupts at a Los Angeles nightclub when Wally, attempting to impress Betty, gets entangled with Sitarski and the military guards. Amidst the chaos, Wally's efforts take a disastrous turn as the riot spills out into the streets.

Nightfall Los Angeles Nightclub
11

Birkhead and Donna's Airborne Adventure

Captain Birkhead's desire to impress Donna leads them to steal an old transport plane. However, their lack of communication and impending danger only complicate their adventurous miscalculations.

Barstow Air Force Base
12

Civil Defense Goes on Red Alert

A civil defense radar spots an unknown aircraft, prompting a red alert in Los Angeles. As Birkhead and Donna fly overhead, they inadvertently attract enemy fire, leading to a series of chaotic events that escalate the tension in the city.

Los Angeles
13

Wally's Pursuit of the Submarine

Determined to confront the submarine, Wally commandeers a tank after hearing about the submarine's position. Alongside a motley crew, they make their way towards the I-19, igniting a frenetic chase through the streets.

Los Angeles Streets
14

Final Confrontation with the Submarine

Wally, his crew, and Wild Bill engage in a chaotic showdown against the Japanese submarine. Misfire and pandemonium ensue as they try to neutralize the threat while dealing with their own hilarious misadventures.

Amusement Park Pier
15

Aftermath and Reflections

The following morning, General Stilwell gathers the chaos-stricken crew recounting their wild experiences from the previous night. As they assess the aftermath, buried tensions and playful banter reveal a comical yet profound commentary on the absurdity of war.

December 14, 1941 Douglas Home

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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1941 Summary

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1941 Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in 1941

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Characters, Settings & Themes in 1941

More About 1941

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