Movie to rent: Mr. Roberts

Mr. Roberts is a 1955 classic World War II movie starting James Cagney as Captain Morton, William Powell as Doc, Jack Lemmon as Ensign Pulver and Henry Fonda as the title character.  Directed by John ford and Mervin LeRoy, this film is based on a novel and subsequent play.  

Mr. Roberts is the Executive Officer on board the Navy cargo ship USS Reluctant.  Lt. Roberts not only oversee the daily operations of the ship, but he also acts as a buffer between the crew and their inane Captain Morgan.  The captain is obsessed with the ship’s efficiency record – earned  thanks to Roberts – and the palm tree he received in recognition.  There are many dimensions to this story.  On face-value you might think it is a comedy – and it is.  The palm tree and her captain are the butt of many practical jokes, played by a crew going crazy because they are continually denied shore leave. Ensign Pulver is a girl-crazy young officer who is afraid of his own shadow.  Doc is more bartender and less medical professional…although he does seem to also have a degree in psychiatry.  Captain Morton’s Napoleon complex is classic – he hates Mr. Roberts for being college-educated, he hates the crew (and they him), he is a small tyrant who thinks fear is better than respect.  The crew look like they just came off the national tour of South Pacific – you do kinds expect them to break out into song…but they do not.

Then there is the plight of Lt Roberts - a Navy officer watching the war pass him by.  He runs a cargo ship which supplies the Navy fleet in the Pacific.  He watches as the vessels he serves goes off into action.  He feels he is not doing enough and continuously puts in transfer requests.  Morton assumes Roberts thinks he is superior and even suspects Roberts just wants a promotion.  Morton cannot understand Roberts and takes much of his anger out on this one officer.  

I don’t want to tell you the whole story…I certainly don’t want to spoil the ending…But I do want to recommend this movie.  This movie is good for nearly every age, but those under 13 might not find it interesting (too young to understand most of the concepts jokes).  For the most part, the movie is tame – although the antiquated treatment of women, shore leave antics and innuendos can be slightly annoying to today’s sensibilities.  

DISCLAIMER: As a fan of older movies, I have to put aside the sexism or racism sometimes prevalent.  It’s like reading Tom Sawyer, the story includes ideas today would be considered quaint as best and offensive at worst but does show you how people once felt.  I believe it is important to NOT whitewash these moments from books and movies – lest we forgot how things once were and allow history to repeat. If people are uncomfortable, good – these prejudices should make you uncomfortable.  Maybe this topic can be saved for a later posting….