During WWII, Duke E. Gifford is second in command of the USS Thunderfish, a submarine which is firing off torpedoes that either explode too early or never explode at all. It's a dilemma that he'll eventually take up personally. Even more personal is his quest to win back his ex-wife, a nurse; but he'll have to win her back from a navy flier who also happens to be his commander's little brother.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 John WayneDuke E. Gifford | Duke E. Gifford |
 Patricia NealMary Stuart | Mary Stuart |
 Ward BondJohn "Pop" Perry | John "Pop" Perry |
 Scott ForbesLarry | Larry |
 Philip CareyBob Perry | Bob Perry |
 Paul PicerniJonesy | Jonesy |
 William CampbellTalker | Talker |
 Kathryn GivneySteele | Steele |
 Martin MilnerCaldwell | Caldwell |
 Sam EdwardsJunior | Junior |
 Jack PennickChief | Chief |
 Virginia BrissacSister Anna | Sister Anna |
 James FlavinSP Commander | SP Commander |
| VVincent FotreSoundman | Soundman |
 Lewis MartinSquad Commander | Squad Commander |
| LLouis MosconiRadarman Mosconi | Radarman Mosconi |
 Bess FlowersNightclub Patron (uncredited) | Nightclub Patron (uncredited) |
 John BaerFighter Pilot (uncredited) | Fighter Pilot (uncredited) |
 Gail DavisNurse (uncredited) | Nurse (uncredited) |
| GGayle KelloggCrewman (uncredited) | Crewman (uncredited) |
 Milburn StoneGround Control Officer (uncredited) | Ground Control Officer (uncredited) |
 Carleton YoungPilot Briefing Officers on Carrier (uncredited) | Pilot Briefing Officers on Carrier (uncredited) |