Review of The Caine Mutiny (1954) by Chris B — 23 Dec 2011

The Caine Mutiny is a Classic film and one that holds up fairly well in the year 2011, with a intimate look into Navy life. Humphrey Bogart plays a tough and by the book Captain who takes over command on The Caine, a ragged and beat up minesweeper vessel, and tries to shape up the complacent crew on board.

While It's apparent that the men and even other officers are weary of the new strict Captain, as time goes on and difficult situations arise, the story progresses into a look into the new Captain's mind and his resulting actions.

The officers begin to suspect that the Captain is paranoid and is making reckless and cowardly decisions. He reaches out to the other officers, but by this point they are over him and his outcry for help.

When a typhoon coupled with the Captain's unwavering decision to let the ship flounder, the first officer is forced to take command himself and save the ship. The first officer is put on trial along with the new officer Keith, for inciting mutiny on the ship.

This is where the film shifts and continues on as a courtroom drama and not so much an action/adventure film like the first half of the film. While I'll leave the outcome secret, it's one in which there is deep and lasting effects on all those involved.

The film is a solid action/drama and is filled with great performances by all the actors involved and is highly recommended!