Review of The Caine Mutiny (1954) by Jack K — 09 Apr 2008
7.9.
A slow moving even tedious old WWI film develops into an intriguing examination of variety of disparate characters from an assortment of excellent performances. Our opinion and judgement of the characters changes throughout the film which marks the fine level of direction from Edward Dmytryk of the assembled cast which includes Humphrey Bogart and Fred McMurray and a small role by Lee Marvin. But it is the supporting cast Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson, Robert Francis, and May Wynn that delivers the film. Of interest is in the role played by Bogart. We are uncomfortable seeing him playing an unflattering character but by the end of the film we watch his performance with admiration. The same is true for the role played by Fred McMurray.
Based of the pulitzer prize winning novel by Henry Wouk.
This marked a spectacular comeback for director Edward Dmytryk, formerly one of the Hollywood Ten who had been jailed for contempt of congress and for lying under oath while under investigation by the House Un-American Activities Commission for his former membership of the American Communist party. Such was the impact of the film that Dmytryk even received a DGA nomination.
One of the biggest hits in Columbia's history, raking up a box office gross of $8.7 million in its first run.
This review of The Caine Mutiny (1954) was written by Jack K on 09 Apr 2008.
The Caine Mutiny has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
