The Red Herring (1988) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A lost WWII submarine crew navigates severe disorientation and operational chaos while hunting an enemy convoy.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Deep Pacific Descent

The U.S.S. Herring navigates deep beneath the Pacific Ocean in late 1942. The crew struggles with basic chronological awareness while maintaining depth. This initial phase establishes the isolated and disoriented atmosphere of the submarine.

Key Events

• Late 1942 Pacific Setting — Establishes wartime backdrop and oceanic environment Location: Pacific Ocean
• U.S.S. Herring Submerged — Submarine glides deep beneath the ocean surface Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: U.S.S. Herring
• Depth Navigation at 400 Feet — Maintaining precise underwater depth Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Submarine Interior
• Chronological Disorientation — Crew fails to identify current day of week Location: Submarine Bridge
• Wednesday vs Friday Confusion — Arguments over whether it is Wednesday or Friday at 11:00 Location: Submarine Bridge
• Extended Directionless Travel — Vessel moves without clear navigational course Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Pacific Ocean
• Weeks of Aimless Wandering — Prolonged period of unguided submarine movement Location: Submarine Interior

Aimless Wandering

Extended periods of directionless travel leave the crew unable to determine the day or time. The prolonged drift generates an unusual surge of collective energy among the sailors. This phase highlights the psychological toll of unguided wartime navigation.

Key Events

• Weeks of Aimless Wandering — Prolonged period of unguided submarine movement Location: Submarine Interior
• Japanese Convoy Sighted — Enemy fleet detected through optical equipment Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Submarine Bridge
• Torpedo Readiness Check — Crew prepares weapons for potential engagement Location: Torpedo Room
• Crew Energy Surge — Aimless travel generates intense collective energy Location: Submarine Interior
• Fueling Beyond Torpedoes — Surplus energy directed toward non-combat activities Location: Submarine Interior

Enemy Contact and Chaos

A Japanese convoy is finally spotted through the periscope, triggering immediate tactical preparations. Surrounding dangers emerge as the bewildered captain attempts to coordinate a response. The crew's eccentric nature clashes with the urgency of combat readiness.

Key Events

• Surrounding Dangers Emerge — Multiple threats appear in the operational area Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Pacific Waters
• Captain's Bewilderment — Commander struggles to process chaotic circumstances Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Submarine Bridge
• Eccentric Sailors Assembled — Unconventional crew members gather for operations Location: Submarine Interior
• First Misadventure Begins — Initial chaotic sequence of events unfolds Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: U.S.S. Herring
• Navigational Error Compounded — Course corrections lead to further disorientation Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Submarine Bridge

Cascade of Misadventures

The submarine engages in a continuous chain of unexpected events while maneuvering under pressure. Tactical confusion peaks as command decisions become increasingly erratic. Despite the chaos, the crew maintains operational momentum throughout the Pacific theater.

Key Events

• Navigational Error Compounded — Course corrections lead to further disorientation Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Submarine Bridge
• Crew Morale Fluctuates — Team spirit shifts amid ongoing unpredictability Location: Submarine Interior
• Convoy Engagement Attempt — Submarine moves to intercept detected enemy fleet Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Pacific Waters
• Tactical Confusion Peaks — Command decisions become increasingly chaotic Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Submarine Bridge
• Chain of Misadventures — Series of unexpected events cascade continuously Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: U.S.S. Herring
• Submarine Maneuvers Under Pressure — Vessel executes evasive and offensive movements Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Pacific Ocean
• Crew Cohesion Tested — Team unity faces extreme operational stress Location: Submarine Interior
• Captain's Decision Making — Commander attempts to restore order and direction Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: Submarine Bridge
• Pacific Waters Remain Hostile — Ocean environment continues to pose constant threats Location: Pacific Ocean
• Ongoing Submarine Operations — Submarine continues its wartime mission despite chaos Characters: Captain of sunk ship Location: U.S.S. Herring

Story Breakdown

• Submarine Setting — Establishes the wartime Pacific environment and the confined underwater vessel.
  • Pacific Depths — The U.S.S. Herring operates four hundred feet beneath the ocean surface.
  • 1942 Wartime Context — Late World War II naval operations frame the narrative backdrop.
• Navigational Crisis — Highlights the crew's severe disorientation and lack of directional guidance.
  • Time Disorientation — The crew cannot determine if it is Wednesday or Friday at 11:00.
  • Directionless Travel — Extended aimless wandering leaves the submarine without a clear course.
• Crew Dynamics — Explores the psychological state and interpersonal energy of the sailors.
  • Eccentric Personnel — Unconventional sailors contribute to the chaotic operational atmosphere.
  • Surplus Energy — Prolonged drift generates intense collective energy beyond combat readiness.
• Target Acquisition — Focuses on the detection of enemy forces and tactical preparation.
  • Convoy Detection — A Japanese fleet is finally spotted through the submarine's periscope.
  • Torpedo Preparation — The crew readies weapons for potential engagement with the enemy.
• Command Challenges — Examines the captain's struggle to maintain control amid confusion.
  • Captain's Bewilderment — The commander faces mounting difficulty processing chaotic circumstances.
  • Chaotic Decision Making — Tactical commands become increasingly erratic under operational pressure.
• Operational Chaos — Details the escalating sequence of unpredictable events and threats.
  • Surrounding Dangers — Multiple hostile elements emerge in the immediate operational area.
  • Chain of Misadventures — Unexpected incidents cascade continuously as the submarine maneuvers.

Directed by

Ari Taub

Key Cast

• Thomas Grube — Flynn
• Al Nazario Hunter — Stovsky
• Joe Manuella — Chief
• Ruben Pla — Richards
• Paul Robertson — Captain