Review of Mister Roberts (1955) by Elliott F — 25 Jun 2011
Mostly led under the titanic cast list that includes Henry Fonda, James Cagney, Jack Lemmon, and William Powell, John Ford and Mervyn LeRoy's Mister Roberts is a very good character study of a cargo officer on a supply ship in WWII who wants to be where the war is--on a battleship.
As said officer, Lt. Doug Roberts, Henry Fonda is excellent, carrying the film effortlessly. As the crotchety captain of the ship who doesn't allow fun of any kind and has a bizarre fondness for palm trees, Cagney has the time of his life chewing up the scenery.
Powell's Doc is the voice of reason among the ship, as he helps his friends with their problems, either normal or ridiculous, and always with a dry joke. And as Ensign Pulver, Jack Lemmon (who won 1955's Best Supporting Actor Oscar for it) is hilarious, and is the best possible foil character for the ever-serious Fonda.
Strongly written and competently directed, Mister Roberts is a solid comedy-drama depicting the waning days of the war.
This review of Mister Roberts (1955) was written by Elliott F on 25 Jun 2011.
Mister Roberts has generally received very positive reviews.
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