- Film Review
- Reviewed By Tony Sloman
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5 out of 5
This magnificent adaptation of the hit Broadway comedy sees Henry Fonda returning to the screen after a long absence to re-create his stage role as a supply-ship officer who longs to be part of the action during the Second World War. Fonda clashed with original director John Ford over how to play the part, which led to director Mervyn LeRoy taking over, but the transfer was seamless and the qualities of the play were retained. The film has a cast to die for: James Cagney as the captain, William Powell (his last movie appearance) as the wise old doc, and young Jack Lemmon, winning his first Oscar, as the brash, irresistible and irrepressible Ensign Pulver. The mixture of sentiment and comedy may be a little hard to take today, but in a small world where memories of war were all too recent, this work had the ring of truth.
Plot Summary
A US Navy lieutenant languishes on board a cargo ship, yearning to see military action. The end of the war is fast approaching, and his surly commanding officer refuses to grant him a transfer. John Ford's Second World War comedy drama, starring Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon, James Cagney and William Powell.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Lieutenant Doug Roberts
- Henry Fonda
- Captain
- James Cagney
- Ensign Frank Thurlowe Pulver
- Jack Lemmon
- Doc
- William Powell
- Lieutenant Ann Girard
- Betsy Palmer
- Chief Petty Officer Dowdy
- Ward Bond
- Mannion
- Philip Carey
- Dolan
- Ken Curtis
- Stefanowski
- Harry Carey Jr
- Gerhart
- Frank Aletter
- Reber
- Nick Adams
Crew
- Director
- John Ford
- Director
- Mervyn LeRoy
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