authority. In the novel the executive officer, an Annapolis-trained senior officer, has a mental breakdown even though higher authority knew from his abusive behavior that he should not be serving on a ship in combat, and commits suicide during battle. The climactic battle scene of the novel, a large scale surface action closely resembling the Battle of the Komandorski Islands, in the film became a minor land skirmish involving Austen's shore party during a rescue attempt. Characters' traits and motivations were altered to match the personalities of the actors cast in the roles, or as in the case of Kennan Wynn's character, were a composite of two major characters. Shooting Filming started 15 April 1957. Jerry Mathers is seen in an uncredited role as one of the children of Susan's sister. At the time, Mathers starred in the television series Leave It to Beaver The film transformed the novel's light cruiser Atlantis (the fictional counterpart of the USS Richmond), a ship with a skipper who loathes the sea and a crew of dispirited castoffs, into the destroyer Poe. During filming in June and July 1957 in Long Beach, California, the Poe was portrayed by the , a World War II era destroyer still serving but scheduled to be "mothballed" in early 1958. Its configuration was altered to resemble its wartime appearance, including removal of modern radar and the installation on the fantail of 20mm gun gun mounts. Maté used most of the ship's complement as shipboard extras, rotating a few at a time on a daily basis and praising their cooperation and abilities. As a result, the credits mention "The Officers and Men of the U.S.S. Stephen Potter". Reception Critical response Howard H. Thompson of The New York Times wrote in his review: "Unfortunately, having stated its case—the hero's mental conflict—this Warners release then sidesteps the issue almost to the finale. The loose, rambling result brims with clichés, at the expense of dramatic unity and, finally, conviction. And going by some bright dialogue in the John Twist–Martin Rackin–Harry Brown script, and Rudolph Mate's erratic direction, there is ample evidence that the parties responsible knew better." Release and home media The Deep Six was released in theaters on January 15, 1958. The film was later released on February 13, 2013 by Warner Home Video as part of their Warner Archive Collection. References External links USS Stephen Potter 1958 films 1958 drama