Back To Index Mister Roberts
 Barnes & Noble 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 Sullivans TV tribute to the stage show. Ed Hulse Interested in the song lyrics? - Check out themostlyrics.com! Looking For A DVD? - Check out dvd-a-rama.com! |
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