In early 1958 Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Productions released "Run Silent, Run Deep", a black-and-white submarine war film based on the best-selling novel by highly decorated US Navy officer Edward L. Beach Jr.. Directed by Robert Wise, it starred Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster with featured roles by Nick Cravat, Jack Warden and Don Rickles (in the comedian's film debut). Always hiring top personnel, the script was written by John Gay and the music was composed by Franz Waxman. Cinematographer Russell Harlan was nominated for a Golden Laurel Award for his work on the film.