War in the Movies: Mister Roberts

Mister Roberts (1955) is a classic war-comedy-drama set during World War II, based on the novel by Thomas Heggen. The film stars Henry Fonda, James Cagney, William Powell, and Jack Lemmon.  Mister Roberts is often categorized as a comedy, and while it is undeniably very, very funny, it carries some surprisingly deep undertones. Beneath the laughs, the film explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the everyday struggles of men stuck in the monotony of war.

The story follows Lieutenant Doug Roberts (Henry Fonda), an executive officer aboard the USS Reluctant, The Bucket, a cargo ship stationed in the Pacific. Roberts is frustrated with his monotonous duties, as he longs for combat action rather than supply runs. However, his tyrannical captain (James Cagney) refuses to grant his transfer requests, fearing the loss of a competent officer.

Roberts is beloved by the crew, advocating for their well-being against the captain’s petty restrictions. His friend, Ensign Frank Pulver (Jack Lemmon), is an inept but humorous officer who avoids responsibility. As tensions mount, Roberts secretly writes a transfer request, which the captain agrees to approve—on the condition that Roberts stops advocating for the crew. When the crew discovers this, they believe he has changed, unaware of his sacrifice.

Eventually, Roberts is granted his transfer and joins the combat forces he longed for. However, a heartbreaking letter later reveals that he was killed in action. In the final scene, Pulver, inspired by Roberts’ leadership, finally stands up to the captain, signaling that Roberts’ legacy of courage and integrity will live on.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its perfectly balanced cast of characters, each representing key aspects of what makes a great leader. Lieutenant Doug Roberts embodies selflessness and moral courage, standing up for his crew even at the expense of his own ambitions. The bumbling yet well-meaning Ensign Pulver, though full of avoidance and lackluster effort at first, ultimately proves that at his core, he values loyalty and people. Even the tyrannical Captain Morton, in all his rigid cruelty, serves as a foil that brings out the best in those who resist him.

1. Lieutenant (j.g.) Douglas A. Roberts (Henry Fonda) – The cargo officer aboard the USS Reluctant. He is well-respected by the crew and fights for their rights while longing for a transfer to combat duty.

2. Captain Morton (James Cagney) – The tyrannical and petty commanding officer of the Reluctant. He rules with an iron fist, denying his crew liberty and blocking Roberts’ transfer requests to maintain control.

3. Ensign Frank Thurlowe Pulver (Jack Lemmon) – The ship’s morale officer and laundry officer, known for his lazy, bumbling nature. Though he avoids responsibility, he is inspired by Roberts’ leadership and eventually steps up.

4. Doc (William Powell) – The ship’s medical officer and Roberts’ closest friend. Wise and level-headed, he provides perspective and guidance, acting as a stabilizing force among the crew.

5. Dolan (Ward Bond) – One of the enlisted sailors, he serves as a link between the officers and the crew, often assisting Roberts and reporting on the crew’s morale.

My personal thoughts (Heather):

Best Secene: The Liberty Scene 

The liberty scene in Mister Roberts adds yet another layer of fun and chaos to the film. The crew, having been cooped up for so long under the captain’s oppressive rule, explodes with pent-up energy the moment they’re set loose. Their antics—crashing an Army dance, getting into fights, stealing an admiral’s goat, and mistaking a governor’s mansion for a bordello—border on childlike glee, a reflection of just how much pressure they've been under.

This scene is a perfect example of the film’s layered storytelling. On the surface, it’s pure comedy—chaotic, over-the-top, and wildly entertaining. But underneath, it highlights leadership challenges, human nature, and the inevitable consequences of suppressing morale for too long. Roberts knew the men needed to blow off steam, but the captain, blinded by his need for control, never saw it coming. And in the end, the very thing he feared—losing his grip on the crew—became his reality.

Best Character: Doc

 For me, the standout character is Doc. His calm, level-headed presence and dry wit make him a joy to watch. Two of my favorite scenes highlight just how great he is:

1. Sick Call Scene – Instead of scolding the sailors for faking illnesses to get out of work, Doc plays along in his own way, handing out aspirin and subtly letting them know he sees through their act. But he also draws a firm line, ensuring they return to duty. It’s a perfect mix of compassion and discipline.

2. Making "Scotch" with Doug and Pulver – This scene is pure gold. Watching Doc help mix up a batch of questionable liquor out of random ingredients is not just hilarious, but also a testament to true friendship. It’s a small moment, but it speaks volumes about camaraderie and how humor keeps people going in tough times.

   
   

Mister Roberts masterfully blends comedy, drama, and the complexities of leadership into a timeless naval story. Through its memorable characters, the film explores the tension between duty and morale, the struggles of command, and the sacrifices made for the greater good. Roberts’ unwavering dedication to his crew, despite his own frustrations, leaves a lasting impact, not just on the men of the Reluctant but on audiences as well. In the end, his legacy of integrity and defiance lives on, proving that true leadership isn’t about power—it’s about standing up for what’s right.

Look for Part Two, where we explore the question: Would Doug Roberts make a good captain? Would Ensign Pulver make a good leader?