The Caine Mutiny
The Caine Mutiny, WWII Movie starring Humphrey Bogart
(1954) This film is adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning book of the same name by Herman Wouk who actually served in the Navy on a similar ship during WWII.
This was probably the third time I’ve watched “The Caine Mutiny” … it was a good opportunity to follow the characters. Bogart was excellent as he fiddled with his steel ball stress relievers. Fred MacMurray played a writer who had a wisecrack to throw in about everything. Van Johnson was the executive officer who stood up for his captain until he no longer could … and then he suffered the brunt of the consequences.
The new Princeton-educated young Ensign who is the center of attention was played by Robert Francis. I wondered why I couldn’t remember him in any other movies. He was killed in a plane crash the following year, when he was only 25 years old.
The Navy gave its blessing and assistance to the film only if the disclaimer “There has never been a mutiny in a ship of the United States Navy …” would precede the beginning of the story.
This classic is a favorite.
The Caine Mutiny at amazon.com
