Crash Dive

Crash Dive

Year: 1943

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: English

Director: Archie Mayo

ActionAdventureRomanceWarThriller

Lieutenant Ward Stewart, a former PT‑boat commander, joins the USS Corsair as executive officer, tasked with hunting German merchant raiders in the North Atlantic. While on leave at New London, he meets schoolteacher Jean Hewlett on a train to Washington. Though initially resistant, she is charmed, and their romance develops amid the dangerous submarine patrols.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Crash Dive yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Crash Dive (1943)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Crash Dive (1943). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1940s

The film unfolds in the World War II era, focusing on the Atlantic theater and the operational tempo of U.S. submarines and patrol craft. It features clandestine missions, Q-ships, and the constant undercurrent of risk that defined naval warfare at the time. Personal relationships develop against a backdrop of high-stakes wartime assignments and urgent supply-line raids.

Location

New London, Connecticut

The story centers on the U.S. Navy submarine base at New London, a pivotal hub for undersea warfare during World War II. The harbor and coastal town serve as a backdrop for both strategic patrols and personal entanglements that unfold between missions. The Corsair and its crew operate from this base, underscoring the blend of duty, danger, and daily life at sea during the war.

🚢 Naval base 🌊 Atlantic theater 🗺️ WWII setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:18

Main Characters – Crash Dive (1943)

Meet the key characters of Crash Dive (1943), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lt. Ward Stewart — Tyrone Power

A daring, ambitious PT boat commander who longs for promotion and excels under pressure, yet his competitive edge strains his relationship with his superior. He becomes a key player in the Corsair’s operations, taking calculated risks that pay off in combat. His charm and determination drive the plot’s romantic elements while his leadership is tested in both surface and sub-surface missions.

⚓ Loyalty 🎯 Ambition 💔 Love triangle

Dewey Connors — Dana Andrews

The Corsair’s captain, a steady and thoughtful leader who earns respect through competence and restraint. He shares a complicated romance with Jean and must navigate professional rivalries with Stewart while guiding his crew through dangerous patrols. Connors embodies measured strategy, resilience after injury, and a willingness to put mission first when necessary.

⚓ Duty 💡 Leadership ❤️ Romance

Jean Hewlett — Anne Baxter

A New London schoolteacher who becomes the focal point of a romance between Stewart and Connors. She faces the uncertainties of wartime life and the strain of being connected to two competing officers. Jean demonstrates poise and moral clarity, ultimately balancing personal happiness with the realities of wartime duty.

🎓 Education ❤️ Love 🕊️ Dilemma

Chief Mike 'Mac' McDonnell — James Gleason

The ship’s chief with a concealed heart condition, MacDonnell embodies quiet courage and selfless sacrifice. He plays a pivotal role in the harbor raid, taking the lead to protect the mission even at great personal risk. His ultimate sacrifice underscores the themes of duty and heroism that run through the film.

💪 Courage 🫀 Sacrifice 🛡️ Duty

Oliver Cromwell Jones — Ben Carter

A loyal messman who quietly aids Chief MacDonnell and helps safeguard the crew during the mission. Jones represents steadfast teamwork and practical bravery, contributing to the success of dangerous operations without seeking glory. His steady presence reinforces the film’s emphasis on collective effort in wartime victory.

🤝 Loyalty 🧰 Resourcefulness 🔎 Vigilance

Captain of Submarine — John Mylong

A seasoned commander who oversees submarine operations, providing experienced leadership and strategic direction. His presence frames the larger naval effort and the teamwork required to execute coordinated attacks against enemy ships. The role highlights the importance of command structure in successful wartime missions.

🧭 Leadership 🛡️ Authority ⚓ Naval tradition

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:18

Major Themes – Crash Dive (1943)

Explore the central themes of Crash Dive (1943), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Duty vs Desire

The narrative pits professional obligation against personal longing as Stewart pursues Jean while juggling command responsibilities. Connors must balance strategic priorities with his own romantic stakes. The romance between Jean and the two officers is tested by the demands of war, ultimately revealing how love can motivate sacrifice rather than derail duty. The tension between personal happiness and military duty drives character choices throughout.

🤝 Friendship & Rivalry

Stewart and Connors begin with a tense dynamic rooted in envy and differing leadership styles. Their rivalry slowly yields to mutual respect as they collaborate on missions, including the raid on the harbor and the crucial base operation. Trust and teamwork become essential when facing German threats and a shared goal of protecting their crew and mission. The evolving camaraderie under pressure highlights the thin line between competition and cooperation in war.

🧭 Sacrifice & Heroism

The crew’s bravery is underscored by Chief MacDonnell’s selfless sacrifice to ensure Stewart and Jones escape danger. The film emphasizes that true heroism often involves personal risk for the greater good. Wounded captains and damaged vessels are endured to complete dangerous objectives, illustrating how wartime courage extends beyond flawless leadership. In the end, courage is celebrated not only in victory but in the willingness to endure loss for others.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:18

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Crash Dive

Don't stop at just watching — explore Crash Dive in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Crash Dive is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Crash Dive Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Crash Dive, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Crash Dive Summary

Crash Dive Timeline

Track the full timeline of Crash Dive with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Crash Dive Timeline

More About Crash Dive

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Crash Dive: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Crash Dive

Explore More About Movie Crash Dive

Crash Dive (1943) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Crash Dive (1943) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Crash Dive (1943) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow