Matt Sherman (Cary Grant) is skipper of the U.S.S. Sea Tiger, a submarine forced out to sea by an enemy air attack. He is less than impressed by his newly-arrived junior officer, Lieutenant Nick Holden (Tony Curtis), who nevertheless manages to scavenge the spare parts & supplies needed to keep the sub in action. Matters are complicated when five stranded army nurses are taken on board, & assist with the renovation. Through a series of mishaps, Sherman's command ends up being painted a conspicuous shade of pink!