The Phantom Submarine Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Phantom Submarine.
The Phantom Submarine Ending Explained: On the night before he sails in search of the steamship Arcadia's sunken gold, Paul Sinclair (Bruce Bennett)meets Madeliene Nielson (Anita Louise) in a San Francisco nightclub. Directed by Charles Barton, this 1940 adventure film stars Anita Louise (Madeleine Neilson), alongside Bruce Bennett as Paul Sinclair, Oscar O'Shea as Captain Velsar, John Tyrrell as Dreaux. With a 6.3/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Phantom Submarine?
On the night before he sails in search of the steamship Arcadia's sunken gold, Paul Sinclair (Bruce Bennett)meets Madeliene Nielson (Anita Louise) in a San Francisco nightclub. On the second day at sea, Madeliene turns up as a stowaway. While diving and searching for the sunken gold, off the Phillipines, Paul discovers that a foreign-country submarine has been laying mines in order to completely cut off the Phillipines from American protection.
Charles Barton's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Anita Louise (Madeleine Neilson)'s journey. On the second day at sea, Madeliene turns up as a stowaway.
How Does Anita Louise (Madeleine Neilson)'s Story End?
- Anita Louise: Anita Louise's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Bruce Bennett (Paul Sinclair): Bruce Bennett's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Oscar O'Shea (Captain Velsar): Oscar O'Shea's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Phantom Submarine Mean?
The Phantom Submarine's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Anita Louise may feel rushed. Charles Barton's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.