Operation Petticoat (1959)

Blake Edwards' 1959 Technicolor comedy *Operation Petticoat* plunges audiences into the humorous chaos of World War II, where a submarine commander, Lieutenant Commander Matt Sherman (Cary Grant), finds himself stuck with a decrepit sub, the USS Sea Tiger, a con-man executive officer, Lieutenant Nick Holden (Tony Curtis), and a group of army nurses. As Sherman desperately tries to maintain naval discipline and keep his ill-fated vessel afloat, Holden’s unscrupulous charm and the unexpected female presence on board lead to a series of escalating farcical situations. From a desperate search for spare parts to an accidental pink paint job, the film is an endearing and uproarious tale of survival, resourcefulness, and unexpected camaraderie against the odds. *Operation Petticoat* stands as a foundational entry in Blake Edwards' illustrious filmography and an undeniable contender for his "Best" list. It showcases Edwards' burgeoning mastery of comedic timing and his trademark blend of sophisticated farce and physical humor, which would become hallmarks of his later, iconic works. The brilliant dynamic between Cary Grant's exasperated straight man and Tony Curtis's charmingly chaotic disruptor perfectly exemplifies the mismatched duos Edwards would frequently explore. Furthermore, the film’s ingenious sight gags – most famously the accidental pink paint job – and its escalating absurdity foreshadow the comedic genius he would unleash in the *Pink Panther* series. Its critical and commercial success solidified Edwards' reputation as a formidable comedic director, proving his ability to craft enduring, laugh-out-loud entertainment even with the backdrop of wartime, and effectively laying the groundwork for his future triumphs.