Cast
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Robert Taylor
as Lieut. Gregg Masterman
Charles Laughton
as Rear Admiral Stephen Thomas
Brian Donlevy
as Lieut. Cmdr. Martin Roberts
Walter Brennan
as Chief Yeoman Henry Johnson
Chill Wills
as Mate Jenks, Chef-Bootsmann
Marilyn Maxwell
as Audrey Carr
Henry O'Neill
as Cmdr. Stone M.C
Marta Linden
as Mary Collins
Douglass Dumbrille
as Capt. Ludlow
Richard Quine
as Ensign Lindsay
William Tannen
as Flag Lt. Dudley
Douglas Fowley
as Ensign Martin
Tim Ryan
as Lt. Tim Ryan
Dick Simmons
as Lt. (jg) Royce
Byron Foulger
as Pharmacist's Mate 'Doc' Miller
Crew
Director
- Robert Z. Leonard
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Stand by for Action examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Z. Leonard brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1942, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Stand by for Action took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1982 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 492 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1942, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Stand by for Action shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Burning Blue, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Stand by for Action subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Under Siege and Hello, Annapolis explore similar territory, Stand by for Action stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 31, 1942
- Runtime: 1h 49m
