Devil and the Deep
The feature-film debut of Cary Grant.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
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.
Cary Grant plays Lt. Jaeckel, under the direction of Marion Gering, released in 1932.
Featured quote
“The official beginning of Cary Grant's motion picture career.”
Introduction
A psychological thriller centered on obsession, jealousy, and duty, staged in the confined world of a naval submarine.
The Story
Commander Charles Sturm's jealousy destroys his marriage and threatens everyone aboard his submarine as suspicion turns to catastrophe.
Production & Behind the Scenes
Paramount assembled an impressive cast and realistic submarine sets during the Pre-Code era, mixing prestige theatricality with technical ambition.
Cary Grant's Performance
Grant's debut reveals natural composure, athletic bearing, and the earliest signs of the poise that would define his future screen persona.
Marion Gering's Direction & Themes
A study of obsession, trust, confinement, leadership, and psychological collapse rendered with claustrophobic economy.
Historical Context
An important Pre-Code drama marking both Charles Laughton's American debut and Cary Grant's feature-film debut.
Legacy & Influence
Remembered today primarily as the beginning of Cary Grant's extraordinary Hollywood journey.
Gallery
Production & release
1932
Cary Grant signs with Paramount Pictures.
1932
Production begins on Devil and the Deep.
September 30, 1932
Film released to theaters.
1933
She Done Him Wrong and I'm No Angel accelerate Grant's rise.
1937
The Awful Truth establishes Grant as a major star.
Cast.
Tallulah Bankhead as Diana Sturm
Gary Cooper as Lt. Sempter
Charles Laughton as Cmdr. Charles Sturm
Cary Grant as Lt. Jaeckel
Paul Porcasi as Hassan
Juliette Compton as Mrs. Planet
Henry Kolker as Hutton
Full billed cast of Devil and the Deep (1932).
Players in billing order, with the characters they play.
- Tallulah Bankheadas Diana Sturm
- Gary Cooperas Lt. Sempter
- Charles Laughtonas Cmdr. Charles Sturm
- Cary Grantas Lt. Jaeckel
- Paul Porcasias Hassan
- Juliette Comptonas Mrs. Planet
- Henry Kolkeras Hutton
- Dorothy Christyas Mrs. Crimp
- Arthur Hoytas Mr. Planet
- Gordon Westcottas Lt. Toll
- James Duganas Condover
- Peter Broccoas Wireless Operator (uncredited)
- Jack Gardneras Submarine Crewman (uncredited)
- John Georgeas Man in Crowd (uncredited)
- Henry Guttmanas Submarine Crewman (uncredited)
- Fred Kohler Jr.as Submarine Crewman (uncredited)
- George Magrillas Submarine Crewman (uncredited)
- Dave O'Brienas Submarine Crewman (uncredited)
- Anderson Lawleras Sailor (uncredited)
- Lucien Littlefieldas Shopkeeper (uncredited)
- Wilfred Lucasas Court Martial Judge (uncredited)
- Kent Tayloras A Friend at Party (uncredited)
Crew.
- Art DirectionBernard Herzbrun
- Costume DesignTravis Banton
- DirectorMarion Gering
- Director of PhotographyCharles Lang
- EditorOtho Lovering
- Original Music ComposerJohn Leipold
- Original Music ComposerHerman Hand
- Original Music ComposerRudolph G. Kopp
- ScreenplayBenn W. Levy
- StoryHarry Hervey
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