Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Is DESTINATION TOKYO Cary Grant’s best spy film? 🕵️♂️
This week, Agents Scott and Cam dive beneath the surface for the 1943 WWII submarine adventure DESTINATION TOKYO, starring Cary Grant and John Garfield.
We discuss Cary Grant’s extraordinary movie-star charisma, the film’s pioneering submarine sequences, its influence on later submarine movies and even STAR TREK, and why watching a crew of highly competent professionals simply doing their jobs can be so satisfying.
But is it really a spy movie?
We also get into the film’s wartime propaganda, its portrayal of Japan, the uncomfortable attitudes of a 1943 Hollywood production, male friendship and camaraderie, and why the submarine crew ultimately won us over far more than the espionage plot.
Plus: pumpkin pie, Wolf, “competency porn,” Cary Grant’s steely resolve, Home on the Range and, of course, the SpyHards Knock List.
So… is DESTINATION TOKYO Cary Grant’s best spy film?
Watch and let us know what you think! 🍸
🎧 Listen to SpyHards wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.fo/e/57210d
⭐ Become a SpyHards Patron and gain access to exclusive Agents in the Field bonus episodes, movie commentaries and more: patreon.com/spyhards
📱 Follow SpyHards: @spyhards
🌐 Website: SpyHards.com
📧 Got an opinion on the NOC List? Leave us a voicemail or get in touch with the show.
Podcast artwork by Hannah Hughes.
Theme music by Doug Astley.
Is DESTINATION TOKYO Cary Grant’s best spy film? 🕵️♂️
This week, Agents Scott and Cam dive beneath the surface for the 1943 WWII submarine adventure DESTINATION TOKYO, starring Cary Grant and John Garfield.
We discuss Cary Grant’s extraordinary movie-star charisma, the film’s pioneering submarine sequences, its influence on later submarine movies and even STAR TREK, and why watching a crew of highly competent professionals simply doing their jobs can be so satisfying.
But is it really a spy movie?
We also get into the film’s wartime propaganda, its portrayal of Japan, the uncomfortable attitudes of a 1943 Hollywood production, male friendship and camaraderie, and why the submarine crew ultimately won us over far more than the espionage plot.
Plus: pumpkin pie, Wolf, “competency porn,” Cary Grant’s steely resolve, Home on the Range and, of course, the SpyHards Knock List.
So… is DESTINATION TOKYO Cary Grant’s best spy film?
Watch and let us know what you think! 🍸
🎧 Listen to SpyHards wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.fo/e/57210d
⭐ Become a SpyHards Patron and gain access to exclusive Agents in the Field bonus episodes, movie commentaries and more: patreon.com/spyhards
📱 Follow SpyHards: @spyhards
🌐 Website: SpyHards.com
📧 Got an opinion on the NOC List? Leave us a voicemail or get in touch with the show.
Podcast artwork by Hannah Hughes.
Theme music by Doug Astley.
