The best films of Cary Grant: #14 "Destination Tokyo" (1944)

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“Destination Tokyo” ranks among the most outstanding war pictures produced during World War II. The film is also one of the greatest submarine stories ever made influencing those yet to come. Hollywood was in full support the war effort mode and cranking out flag waivers. Gary Cooper turned down the role of Captain Cassidy. The star was too tall for a submariner anyway. Warner Bros made a one picture trade with Columbia: Humphrey Bogart for Grant. “Destination Tokyo” was the directorial debut for former actor Delmer Daves who went on a respectable career making films like “3:10 to Yuma.” The time is the height of the war in the Pacific. While his crew celebrates Christmas Eve, Captain Cassidy of the USS Copperlin receives orders to be opened once the sub os at sea. The skipper learns the sub is being sent on a top secret mission into Tokyo Bay to gain meteorological data crucial for the upcoming bombings over Tokyo. The film follows the mission from start to finish. Amazing what was accomplished on Hollywood sound stages back then without benefit of CGI.The film is exciting as the sub survives minefields and depth charges rocking the ship. You feel the claustrophobia of being trapped in very cramped quarters compared to today’s subs. “Destination Tokyo” was a huge box office success and Grant’s only wartime picture.