Mister Roberts (1955)

William Powell, Henry Fonda and Jack Lemmon

'Mister Roberts' is a comedy action movie made in 1955, directed by John Ford and Mervyn LeRoy and with an all star cast headed by Henry Fonda, James Cagney, Jack Lemmon, and William Powell. The movie was based on Thomas Heggen's 1946 novel of the same name, which was made into a Broadway play in 1948, also starring Henry Fonda and which ran for over 1,000 performances. As a war movie it is unique in having no war scenes, but is a study in character and the tensions that can arise in wartime. The script, by Frank Nugent and Josh Logan, is witty and entertaining and the movie is beautifully shot in wide screen color.

The film received three Academy Award nominations, losing for Best Picture and Best Sound, Recording, and winning for Best Supporting Actor for Jack Lemmon. It is ranked at number 276 in the American Film Institute's list of top 300 movies.

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Henry Fonda gives a career-defining performance as Douglas Roberts, an officer aboard the plodding U.S Navy cargo ship 'USS Reluctant' which has been bypassed by the action of World War II. He's engaged in a battle of wills with his sour, resentful captain, played in a superb over-the-top manner by James Cagney. Jack Lemmon, in only his fourth movie, won his first Academy Award for his entertaining role as Ensign Pulver, a man who finally finds the courage to take on the captain. As Lemmon was starting out on his movie career, so William Powell was appearing in his final film as the world-weary but still quick witted Lieutenant 'Doc'. His sophisticated presence and brilliant comic timing were invaluable additions to the film.

The original director was John Ford who was an ex navy man and he set up the movie to be as realistic as possible. It was Ford who insisted on Fonda being cast as Mister Roberts. Fonda had been in the Broadway production and worked on it with Leland Heyward and Joshua Logan, so he knew precisely what was necessary for the film. Fonda took exception to several script changes from the play which Ford thought necessary and he and Ford argued bitterly. Ford fell ill and was eventually replaced by Mervyn LeRoy who directed the film's interior segments.

The balance of the film remains pefect, however. It is almost flawless with just the right amounts of happiness and sadness, anger and goodwill, and just the right blend of drama and comedy. The movie is able to touch everyone on at least one level. It is one of the gems of American cinema.