Review of Mister Roberts (1955) by Richard C — 12 Oct 2012
A highly enjoyable comedy-drama that largely succeeds thanks to its writing but also from its actors including Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon and the show-stealing James Cagney whose performance as the strict and no-holds barred ship captain must surely go down as one of his best performances, if not his best.
The film manages to take advantage of its claustrophobic setting by giving an insight into life without action on a cargo ship thanks to its dead-on accurate visual storytelling not to mention the clever use of balancing fun comedy with serious drama, with the key highlight being the excellent scenes of verbal confrontation between Fonda's likable Mister Roberts and Cagney's unfair captain.
This is a highlight of 1950's American cinema which deserved its Best Picture Oscar nomination and ultimately earns a repeat viewing which might just advance the film's stance as one hell of a good character studyy.
This review of Mister Roberts (1955) was written by Richard C on 12 Oct 2012.
Mister Roberts has generally received very positive reviews.
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