S-23
S-23 (SS-128)
The USS S-23 S-27 S-21 moored at New York City c1925
National Archives Photo
Actor Jimmy Durante taking a break during the filming of the 1933 movie "Hell Below". Durante played the character of the ships cook nicknamed "Ptomaine".
The USS S-31 played the fictional U.S. submarine AL-14. MGM purchased the USS Moody (DD-277), a World War I-era destroyer destined for scrapping due to the London Naval Treaty limits on navy strength, for US$35,000. The firm of Merritt-Chapman & Scott was hired to sink the ship to simulate the torpedoing of an Austro-Hungarian minelayer. Principal location photography took place in Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. (Wikipedia)
From the Private Collection of Ric Hedman
Back of photo inscription. The date of 1940 seems to have been someones guess as to the date the photo was taken.
There seems to be conflicting evidence as to the sub ID. It is known that the S-31 was used in the making of the movie "Hell Below" but this notation says this is the S-23. Both subs were stationed at Pearl Harbor at the same time where the movie was made. It is possible that the S-23 was used for some shots. A little paint and 'bingo' you had the same boat. Who would know the difference?
From the Private Collection of Ric Hedman
National Archives Photo
Page created by:
Ric Hedman & David Johnston
1999 - 2023 - PigBoats.COM©
Mountlake Terrace, WA, Norfolk, VA
webmaster at pigboats dot com
