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Reprising the role he made famous in Joshua Logan’s Broadway smash, Henry Fonda stars in Mister Roberts, an almost perfect comedic drama distinguished by bright scripting, unobtrusively effective direction, and superb playing by a marvelous ensemble cast. The story takes place during World War II, largely aboard an American cargo ship where patriotic officer Fonda laments that he’s not seeing action. Additionally, he’s tormented by James Cagney, as the boorish, irascible Captain Morion, a career hack who bullies all his subordinates in general and Fonda in particular. Former leading man William Powell sparkles as a wryly philosophical doctor who commiserates with Fonda, and Jack Lemmon very nearly steals the picture with his dynamic portrayal of the crafty, opportunistic Ensign Pulver, whose schemes precipitate some of the film’s most memorable sequences. The adaptation by Logan and Frank Nugent retains much of the stage show’s snappy dialogue, and Fonda predictably brings his ineffable charm and quiet dignity to the title role (reportedly his favorite). Direction began under John Ford (The Searchers), who quarreled incessantly with the star and was eventually replaced by Mervyn LeRoy (I Am a Fugitive from the Chain Gang) with no apparent detriment to the final product. No other film better chronicles the lighter side of World War II, making Mister Roberts unique among movies set during that tumultuous conflict. The DVD includes a commentary by Jack Lemmon, relevant excerpts from the documentary Fonda on Fonda, nine theatrical trailers, production notes, and footage from Ed Sullivan's TV tribute to the stage show. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Henry Fonda returned to films after an eight-year absence in this masterful adaptation of the actor's Broadway hit Mister Roberts. Written and partially directed by Joshua Logan, the film stars Fonda as Lt. Doug Roberts, chief cargo officer of the supply ship "Reluctant." WW2 is in its last few months, and Roberts is itching for combat duty. But the Reluctant's surly, despotic captain (James Cagney), anxious to use Roberts to expedite his own promotion, refuses to sign any of Roberts' transfer requests. Helping to brighten Mister Roberts' humdrum existence are his best friends, Ensign Frank Pulver (Jack Lemmon, in an Oscar-winning performance) and the ship's philosophical doctor (William Powell, in his final film appearance). Most of the laughs are provided by Pulver, officer "in charge of laundry and morale." When he isn't wheeling and dealing to bring a bevy of beautiful nurses on board the Reluctant, Pulver is concocting elaborate schemes to avenge himself against the Captain -- even though he's spent 14 months on the Reluctant without ever meeting his nemesis. The film's highlights include the efforts by Roberts, Pulver, and Doc to mix a bottle of Scotch from Coca-Cola, Iodine, and other vital ingredients; and Mister Roberts' (and later Ensign Pulver's) assertion of manhood by tossing the Captain's precious palm tree overboard. Halfway through shooting, legendary director John Ford was replaced, ostensibly because of illness, by Mervyn LeRoy. One of the finest service comedies ever made, Mister Roberts spawned a less amusing sequel, Ensign Pulver (1964), as well as a 1965 TV sitcom. Hal Erickson

Product Details

• UPC: 012569736351
• Source: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Editions: Subtitled, Dubbed
• Time: 2:02:00
• Sales Rank: 1,068

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Henry Fonda - The Signature Collection

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