The IMDB summaries for some movies are funny. Here’s a one liner for “Run Silent Run Deep”: A U.S. sub commander, obsessed with sinking a certain Japanese ship, butts heads with his first officer and crew.

Yeah, that about sums it up, except that there are about three more layers of drama going on. There’s the Moby Dick aspect of Commander “Rich” Richardson’s obsession with the Japanese commander that sunk his sub. There’s the angle of the younger commander being usurped by the older returning commander. There’s the tension on board the ship as they sail deeper and deeper into Japanese territory. And then there’s the flat out dramatic war movie action that is brought to vidid life in this film by the excellent use of miniature photography. All helmed by one of our favorite directors Robert Wise. Starring Clark Gable, Burt Lancaster, Jack Warden, Brad Dexter and Don Rickles in his first film appearance. So secure the hatches and prepare for diving! We’re headed into the Bungo Strait!

Be sure to listen all the way to the end for a clip from an Iron Maiden song called “Run Silent Run Deep” that features themes and lyrics that could be right out of this film. And here’s a link to a YouTube video with lyrics for Iron Maiden’s “Run Silent Run Deep”. And here are the lyrics, which really capture the tone of submarine warfare in my opinion

“The convoy lights are dead ahead
The merchantmen lay in their bed
The thump of diesels hammers down
In the oily sea-the killing ground
His knuckles white his eyes alight
He slams the hatch on the deadly night
A cunning fox in the chickens lair
A hound of hell and the devil don't care
Running silent, running deep, we are your final prayer
Warriors in secret sleep, a merchantman's nightmare
A silent death lies awaiting, for all of you below
Running silent, running deep, sink into your silent sleep
Chill the hearts of fighting men
In open ocean wondering when?
The lethal silver fish will fly
The boat will shiver-men will die
A cast of millions-a part to play
Killer victim or fool for a day
Obeying an order-men have to die
Us or them-a well rehearsed lie
Running silent, running deep, we are your final prayer
Warriors in secret sleep, a merchantman's nightmare
A silent death lies awaiting, for all of you below
Running silent, running deep, sink into your silent sleep
The lifeboats shattered the hull is torn
The tar black smell of burning oil
On the way down to Davy Jones
Every man for himself-you're on your own
The wolf eyes watch the cross wire
'stern tubes ready', 'aim and fire”

Songwriters: Dickinson Harris

Here’s the IMDB link for “Run Silent Run Deep”

And up next it’s “West Side Story“

And after that it’s a double feature of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”