Review of Mister Roberts (1955) by Francis L — 29 Jan 2012
When I first saw this movie (many years ago) as a kid, I thoroughly enjoyed the various antics of the crew (especially Lemon/Pulver). Later on, as I actually got immersed into the story, it struck a chord.
There are numerous 'war flicks' showing the heat of battle, but I had never really thought about the backstory - the men and women who went about their daily duties, and how the 'boredom and tedium' which Fonda/Roberts mentions in his final letter to the crew can almost eat a person alive.
This just seems to get better and better each time I watch it. Fonda's easy-going manner, while riding the fence as a middle-manager (between the crew and the Captain) has always been a private goal of mine.
Cagney/Morion seems slightly out of place for my taste, though I enjoy the performance - Cagney as a perfect heavy and foil. Almost a Captain Queeg ("The Caine Mutiny") who actually goes ever further in his oppression of the crew, into a collection of galley-slaves who are merely to perform at his beck and call.
Lemon/Pulver was always a favorite of mine - the classic goofball who always talks big, but just doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to follow up his grandiose schemes. Powell/Doc is my first experience viewing this fine actor.
I still haven't watched the "Thin Man" movies, but you can just sense the dignity in him, which surprisingly doesn't prevent him from enjoying the little things in life. To call this a "War Film" is a misnomer.
No Michael Bay explosions, no Spielberg special effects. Just a simply movie about life itself.
This review of Mister Roberts (1955) was written by Francis L on 29 Jan 2012.
Mister Roberts has generally received very positive reviews.
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