Devil and the Deep
The feature-film debut of Cary Grant.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
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
Other studies.
Cary Grant delivers one of the most compassionate performances of his career as Dr. Noah Praetorius, an unconventional physician whose humanity is tested by prejudice, rumor, and institutional politics.
Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn create one of cinema's most elegant romantic mysteries—a thrilling game of deception, danger, and unexpected love.