Naval commander Charles Sturm has made life miserable for his wife Diana due to his insane jealousy over every man she speaks to. His obsessive behavior soon drives her to the arms of a handsome lieutenant. When Charles learns of their affair, he plots revenge.
Acting
Laughton gnaws the scenery; Bankhead matches him beat for beat.
Production
Genuine submarine interiors that claustrophobically trap everyone together.
Director
Marion Gering
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was one of only two films pairing Bankhead and Laughton — they reportedly fought constantly, which director Gering used to fuel their on-screen animosity.
Released mere months before strict Hays Code enforcement, this is peak 'pre-code' — adultery unpunished, desire unapologetic, and a married woman choosing passion over propriety without divine retribution.
US
