Up Periscope (1959) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

The supplied account follows Braden's interrupted personal connection, the submarine crew's losses and dangerous assignment, and its eventual attack success.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

A Private Conversation Interrupted

After a dangerous patrol injures a sailor, Braden spends time with Sally. He keeps the details of his work classified, and his recall to duty cuts their conversation short.

Key Events

• Dangerous Patrol Injures Sailor — A dangerous patrol leaves a sailor badly injured. Characters: Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden Location: Patrol location unspecified
• Braden Meets Sally — Braden spends time with Sally after the dangerous patrol. Characters: Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden, Sally Johnson Location: Unspecified
• Sally Asks About His Future — Sally asks about Braden's life and what lies ahead. Characters: Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden, Sally Johnson Location: Unspecified
• Braden Cites Classified Work — Braden gives little away and says his work is classified. Characters: Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden, Sally Johnson Location: Unspecified
• Braden Recalled to Duty — Braden's time with Sally ends when he is recalled to duty. Characters: Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden, Sally Johnson Location: Unspecified

Orders and an Old Loss

The Barracuda prepares for an assignment, and the crew learns that it is to conduct reconnaissance without firing. Stevenson and Braden revisit the death of a young sailor on an earlier patrol and discuss the command decision.

Key Events

• Barracuda Prepares to Depart — The submarine crew loads supplies and waits for its passenger. Characters: Commander Paul Stevenson, Lt. Pat Malone Location: Submarine Barracuda
• Malone Jokes Before Departure — Malone jokes with the women he is leaving behind. Characters: Lt. Pat Malone Location: Submarine Barracuda
• Reconnaissance Orders Given — The crew is told to conduct reconnaissance and not fire, even at a valuable target. Characters: Commander Paul Stevenson, Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden Location: Submarine Barracuda
• Stevenson Recalls Earlier Death — Stevenson and Braden discuss a previous patrol in which a young sailor died. Characters: Commander Paul Stevenson, Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden Location: Submarine Barracuda
• Braden Questions Withdrawal Decision — Braden says he would have withdrawn sooner but recognizes Stevenson's difficult responsibility. Characters: Commander Paul Stevenson, Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden Location: Submarine Barracuda

Damage and Emergency Repairs

Enemy fire damages the submarine, kills Carney, wounds crewmen, and threatens the boat with flooding. Stevenson orders the crew to surface for repairs while Ash treats the injured, leaving the crew shaken.

Key Events

• Enemy Fire Damages Submarine — Enemy fire damages the boat, kills Carney, wounds crewmen, and causes flooding. Characters: Commander Paul Stevenson, Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden, Lt. Pat Malone, Lt. Phil Carney, Pharmacist Mate Ash Location: Submarine Barracuda
• Emergency Repairs and Treatment — Stevenson orders the crew to surface for repairs while Ash treats the wounded. Characters: Commander Paul Stevenson, Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden, Lt. Pat Malone, Pharmacist Mate Ash Location: Submarine Barracuda
• Stevenson Mourns His Crew — The damage and losses shake the crew, and Stevenson mourns his men. Characters: Commander Paul Stevenson Location: Submarine Barracuda

A Hit and a Promotion

The submarine's first torpedoes miss, but a later attack hits the enemy vessel. The success lifts morale, and news of Malone's promotion brings congratulations and an offer of officer's bars.

Key Events

• First Torpedoes Miss — The submarine attacks an enemy vessel, but its first torpedoes miss. Characters: Commander Paul Stevenson, Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden, Lt. Pat Malone Location: At sea
• Second Attack Hits Enemy Ship — The crew maneuvers and launches another attack, hitting the enemy ship. Characters: Commander Paul Stevenson, Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden, Lt. Pat Malone Location: At sea
• Victory Raises Morale — The hit lifts morale, though some sailors remain cautious about celebrating. Characters: Commander Paul Stevenson, Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden, Lt. Pat Malone Location: Submarine Barracuda
• Malone Receives Promotion News — News arrives that Malone has been promoted. Characters: Lt. Pat Malone Location: Submarine Barracuda
• Crew Congratulates Malone — Sailors congratulate Malone and offer him officer's bars amid the continuing mission danger. Characters: Lt. Pat Malone, Commander Paul Stevenson, Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden Location: Submarine Barracuda

Story Breakdown

• Patrol Aftermath — A dangerous patrol leaves a sailor injured before Braden spends time with Sally.
  • Sailor Injured — A sailor is badly hurt during a dangerous patrol.
  • Braden Meets Sally — Braden spends time with Sally after the patrol.
• Braden and Sally — Sally seeks to learn about Braden, but he cannot disclose details of his classified work.
  • Questions About His Life — Sally asks about Braden's life and future.
  • Duty Interrupts Them — Braden is recalled to duty, ending their time together.
• Barracuda Prepares — The submarine crew loads supplies and awaits its passenger before receiving its assignment.
  • Supplies Loaded — The crew loads supplies aboard the Barracuda.
  • Malone Jokes — Malone jokes with the women he is leaving behind.
• Reconnaissance Orders — The crew is instructed to conduct reconnaissance and not fire, even if it encounters a valuable target.
  • Mission Explained — The crew is told that the assignment is reconnaissance.
  • Fire Prohibited — The order forbids firing even at a valuable target.
• Earlier Patrol Loss — Stevenson and Braden discuss the death of a young sailor on a previous patrol and the difficult decision surrounding it.
  • Young Sailor Died — A previous patrol ended with the death of a young sailor.
  • Withdrawal Debate — Braden says he would have withdrawn sooner while acknowledging Stevenson's responsibility.
• Damage and Mourning — Enemy fire damages the submarine and causes casualties, forcing an emergency response.
  • Carney Killed — Carney is killed and several crewmen are wounded.
  • Emergency Repairs — Stevenson orders the crew to surface while Ash treats the injured.
• Attack and Promotion — After an initial miss, the submarine hits an enemy vessel, and the crew later celebrates Malone's promotion.
  • Torpedoes Hit Target — A subsequent attack strikes the enemy ship after the first torpedoes miss.
  • Malone Congratulated — Sailors congratulate Malone and offer him officer's bars.

Directed by

Gordon Douglas

Key Cast

• James Garner — Lt. J. G. Kenneth M. Braden
• Edmond O'Brien — Commander Paul Stevenson
• Andra Martin — Sally Johnson
• Alan Hale Jr. — Lt. Pat Malone
• Carleton Carpenter — Lt. Phil Carney