Minesweeper

Minesweeper

Year: 1943

Runtime: 67 mins

Language: English

Director: William Berke

DramaRomanceActionAdventureWar

When World War II erupts, a former naval officer who deserted years earlier is compelled to return to service. Assuming a false identity, he is posted to a minesweeper, where he and the Coast Guard crew face perilous duties clearing mines while he struggles to keep his true past hidden.

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Timeline & Setting – Minesweeper (1943)

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

Time period

Early 1940s

Set during World War II, the film takes place in the early 1940s around the attack on Pearl Harbor. It follows sailors during a period of mobilization, secrecy, and urgent war effort in the Pacific theater. The timeframe grounds the plot in real wartime conditions, where every operation could determine troop movements and outcomes.

Location

San Diego harbor, Pearl Harbor

The story centers on naval operations in the San Diego harbor, where minesweepers defuse underwater threats to keep shipping lanes open. Pearl Harbor is referenced as the historical catalyst that spurs the protagonist back into service, anchoring the narrative in a broader Pacific War context. The harbor environment highlights the disciplined, perilous life aboard a minesweeper and the close-quarters camaraderie of the crew.

⚓ Harbor 🛡️ Military life 🧭 War setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:26

Main Characters – Minesweeper (1943)

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

Richard Houston (Robert Mitchum)

A deserter who reinvents himself as Jim 'Tennessee' Smith to rejoin the Navy. He undertakes dangerous minesweeping work while grappling with guilt and the risk of discovery. His ultimate sacrifice redefines heroism as a consequence of a troubled past finally catching up with him.

🗝️ Identity 🛡️ Courage 🕊️ Sacrifice

Mary Smith (Jean Parker)

Niece of Fixit Smith and Houston’s love interest, she becomes a focal point of the film’s romantic subplot. Her loyalties are tested as personal relationships unfold under wartime strain. Her presence anchors the human stakes behind the military actions.

❤️ Love 👩‍👧 Family

Lt. Ralph Gilpin (Frank Fenton)

A capable officer who uncovers Houston’s true identity and must balance discipline with strategic mercy. He contributes to the Minesweeper operation's planning and recognizes the deserter’s bravery, influencing the Navy’s approach to the crisis.

🧠 Intelligence 🎯 Strategy

CPO Ichabod Ferdinand 'Fixit' Smith (Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams)

A seasoned chief whose authority shifts as he takes over Houston’s duties. He is killed by a mine, illustrating the high human cost of war and the dangers faced by those who keep naval operations running. His fate adds weight to the crew’s sacrifices.

⚓ Mentor 💀 Sacrifice 🛠️ Navy-life

Seaman Chuck Ryan (Robert Mitchum)

A fellow sailor who competes with others for Mary’s affections, highlighting the social dynamics and personal rivalries aboard a small wartime crew. He shares in the dangers of the mission and represents camaraderie under fire despite romantic tensions.

👀 Rivalry 🚢 Crew-life

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:26

Major Themes – Minesweeper (1943)

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

🛡️ Heroism

The central character’s willingness to risk himself under extreme pressure defines heroism in the story. Courage is tested repeatedly as the crew faces exploding mines and the threat of exposure. The culmination of the film presents a selfless act that cements the protagonist’s legacy as a wartime savior.

🪪 Identity

Houston hides a concealed past behind a new alias, creating tension between who he is and who he appears to be. The tension between concealment and truth drives key decisions and personal sacrifice. The resolution underscores that true valor can emerge from difficult choices and hidden histories.

⚓ Duty

Loyalty to the crew and to the mission supersedes personal wishes in moments of danger. The plot pits individual desires against collective safety, forcing characters to weigh personal cost against the needs of wartime duty. Duty becomes a binding force that shapes actions and outcomes amid tragedy.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:26

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Redemption stories with heroic sacrifice like in Minesweeper

Characters atone for past sins through a final, heroic act of sacrifice.If you liked the protagonist's journey of atonement in Minesweeper, you'll find similar emotional power in these movies. This collection features characters who carry a heavy burden from their past and seek redemption through a final, noble act of self-sacrifice, leading to bittersweet yet meaningful conclusions.

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Narrative Summary

This thread follows a specific character arc: a protagonist with a shameful secret or past failure is given an opportunity for redemption. The narrative builds tension between the risk of exposure and the chance for atonement, often culminating in a climactic moment where the character must choose to sacrifice themselves for a greater good, resulting in a poignant, bittersweet resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their powerful focus on the theme of moral redemption. They share a heavy emotional weight, a tense tone from the protagonist's hidden past, and a narrative structure that leads to a cathartic, self-sacrificial ending where personal loss is transformed into a legacy of heroism.

Claustrophobic team survival thrillers like Minesweeper

Stories of crews trapped in dangerous situations, where trust is vital and tension runs high.For viewers who enjoyed the tense, confined atmosphere of Minesweeper, this list features similar movies about groups under extreme pressure. These stories often involve a hidden danger, a secret that threatens unity, and the gripping drama of people forced to rely on each other while facing imminent peril.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a tightly-knit group operating in a confined, hazardous setting (a ship, base, or vehicle). An external threat (like war or a monster) creates constant danger, while an internal secret or traitor fractures trust. The story unfolds through a steady pace of missions and interpersonal drama, building towards a climax where the secret is revealed and the group's survival is put to the ultimate test.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific vibe of claustrophobic tension. They combine a high-intensity setting with a steady, mission-focused pacing and a tone of deep anxiety. The experience is defined by the dual threats from outside and within, creating a gripping, nerve-wracking journey for the audience.

Unlock the Full Story of Minesweeper

Don't stop at just watching — explore Minesweeper 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 Minesweeper is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Minesweeper Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Minesweeper, 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.

Minesweeper Summary

Minesweeper Timeline

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

Minesweeper Timeline

Minesweeper Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Minesweeper that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Minesweeper Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Minesweeper

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Minesweeper: 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 Minesweeper

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