The Caine Mutiny (1954)

outstanding

Outstanding acting and plot with a great ending. This film is a real classic. September 20, 2008

movie review

this is an excellent movie with excellent acting. great entertainment and glad its in my collection. August 2, 2008

Steel Balls & Strawberries

"Aboard my ship, excellent performance is standard, standard performance is sub-standard, and sub-standard performance is not permitted to exist - that, I warn you."

Based on the novel by the great Herman Wouk, THE CAINE MUTINY boasts one of the best performances and ensemble cast of any movie from the 1950s. Ensign Willie Keith, the naïve young officer, is wonderfully played by Robert Francis, who died in a plane crash at the age of 25 one year after this role. Classic stars Humphrey Bogart, Van Johnson, Fred McMurray, Jose Ferrer, Tom Tully, and a bevy of talented and (at the time) lesser known stars (including Lee Marvin and Claude Akins), round out this wonderfully diverse group of performers. They combine to paint a realistic portrait of life aboard the Caine - a tired, WWII ship desperately in need of leadership.

The movie is essentially in three parts: The first part focuses on the arrival and experiences of young Ensign Keith, a son of privilege and wealth with an idealized view of the world and lofty expectations of those in command. He is discouraged by the presumed lethargy of his commander - the war weary Commander DeVriess, and yearns for a spit-and-polish type as a source of strength.

In the second part, Ensign Keith get's his wish (or so he thinks) in the form of Lt. Commander Philip Francis Queeg - a formal "by-the-book" man who is in reality, a battered veteran of one too-many combat experiences. Beautifully played by Humphrey Bogart, in one of his finest performances, Queeg is contrasted with the cynical communications officer (played against type by Fred McMurray), the torn, yet devoted executive officer played by Van Johnson, and young Ensign Keith. Events escalate until the climactic mutiny, when the reluctant executive officer relieves the Captain.

In the third part, the action shifts to the court martial of the offending officers. Jose Ferrer gives a brilliant and inspired performance as naval defender Barney Greenwald. While all main actors give splendid performances, Humphrey Bogart's witness stand testimony shows the actors remarkable abilities. His transformation from confident and personable officer to a person of mental exhaustion displays Bogart's considerable talents.

The DVD sound and picture quality are excellent with the last reel properly remastered (in comparison with the earlier VHS release). Extras include "Inside The Caine Mutiny," a two-part documentary exploring the making of the film as well as specific themes and plot elements. The remaining extras - trailers for new films - are superfluous.

The lessons of this fine film are loyalty, support, and respect for command. In the words of Jose Ferrer's character in his exchange with young Ensign Keith:

"Now you're learning, Willie. You don't support your captain because you like him; you support him because he's got the job or you're no good!"
June 16, 2008

AUTHENTIC ADVENTURE

I remember reading the book several years ago. Used t have the movie on VHS. Now on DVD its brilliant color and even more brilliant acting are preserved in my film library. Outstanding performances by Jose Ferrer, Fred McMurray, Van Johnson and, of course, Humphrey Bogart make this one of my all time favorite films.

Authentic World War II drama penned by a man who served in those very ships. This movie is a must-see! March 28, 2008

One Of The Most Powerful Movies Made

Less about war or even court martial, this film delves into the darkness in men's souls. The scene where Capt. Queeg psyche comes unraveled while he is on the stand during questioning, is one of the most powerful ever filmed. I too, felt the contempt that Jose Ferrer's character felt for the officers that he defended. A must see film. March 22, 2008

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