A remake of Frank Capra's Submarine (1928), Devil's Playground is a snappy Columbia "B plus" picture starring Richard Dix and Chester Morris. Submarine officers Dorgan (Dix) and Mason (Morris) battle on land for the affections of dance-hall girl Carmen (Dolores del Rio). She marries Dorgan but makes a play for Mason when her husband is on duty. The romantic rivalry is forgotten when Dorgan must rescue Mason and his crew from a sunken sub.
Acting
Dolores del Río smolders while the boys posture magnificently.
Direction
Kenton keeps this B-picture moving like it's A-list.
Director
Erle C. Kenton
Richard Dix
Jack Dorgan
Dolores del Río
Carmen
Chester Morris
Robert Mason
George McKay
Red Anderson
John Gallaudet
Jones
Pierre Watkin
Submarine Commander
Ward Bond
Sidecar Wilson
Don Rowan
Reilly
Francis McDonald
Romano
Stanley Andrews
Salvage Boat Commander
Harry Bernard
Husband
Sammy Blum
Bartender
Alma Chester
Bit Part
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Columbia recycled the same submarine sets from the 1928 original, proving studio thrift is eternal.
This was one of del Río's last Hollywood films before she fled to Mexico, disgusted by the roles she was offered.
US
