Submarine Patrol

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.