War in the Movies: Mister Roberts - Part 2

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.

Would Mister Robert's have made a good Captain?  

That’s a great question, and honestly, Mister Roberts as a leader is a bit of a paradox. On one hand, he’s the heart and soul of the crew, advocating for them and maintaining their morale under an oppressive captain. He fights for their dignity, makes sacrifices on their behalf, and earns their loyalty and admiration. In that sense, he embodies the kind of leader people want to follow. But does that necessarily make him a good leader in the traditional sense? That’s where things get complicated. Leadership isn’t just about being liked—it’s about balancing discipline, responsibility, and morale. While Roberts clearly sees the flaws in the captain’s leadership style, I’m not sure he fully acknowledges that some level of control and discipline is necessary. The liberty fiasco is a prime example: the crew needed that break, but when they ran wild, it proved that unrestricted freedom can lead to chaos. The captain, for all his flaws, wasn’t entirely wrong to be concerned about discipline—he just took it to an extreme. Roberts seems to operate under the belief that if you treat people with respect and fight for them, they will do the right thing. But leadership often requires making tough, unpopular decisions, and sometimes that means enforcing rules people don’t like. He fights against the captain’s strict control, but does he ever acknowledge that some structure is necessary? I don’t think he does—not fully, at least.

So, would Mister Roberts be a good Captain ? In many ways, yes—his integrity, courage, and compassion are invaluable. But in a command position, he might struggle with the harsher realities of leadership, where keeping order sometimes means making tough calls that don’t always align with personal ideals.

What about Ensign Pulver?  

Ensign Pulver’s leadership potential is one of the most intriguing character arcs in Mister Roberts. At the start of the film, he is the epitome of avoidance—dodging responsibility, staying out of conflicts, and doing everything he can to avoid the captain’s wrath. He is likable but unreliable, more interested in flirting with nurses and scheming his way out of work than actually contributing to the ship’s operations. However, Pulver’s transformation by the end of the film suggests that he could become a good leader—if he continues on the path of growth. His defining moment comes after he learns of Mister Roberts’ death. In a burst of emotion and newfound confidence, he finally stands up to the captain, demanding that the crew be allowed to watch a movie. This act, though small, symbolizes a major shift: Pulver is no longer afraid to challenge authority when it’s necessary.

What Pulver lacks in discipline and competence, he makes up for in loyalty and heart. His problem isn’t a lack of leadership qualities—it’s that he has never taken himself or his role seriously. If he learns to balance his easygoing nature with a sense of responsibility, he could become a strong leader, one who understands the needs of his men while also enforcing necessary discipline.

So, would Pulver make a good leader? At the start of the film, absolutely not. But by the end, there’s hope. If he can channel what he learned from Roberts—standing up for what’s right while keeping morale high—then he just might have the makings of a leader after all. 

So, who has good leadership skills? 

For me the best leader would be Doc, He’s a steady, measured presence who sees both sides and understands human nature in a way that Roberts struggles with. Doc respects Roberts’ idealism but also recognizes the reality of their situation. He knows that the captain’s control isn’t entirely misplaced—it’s just poorly executed.

Mister Roberts offers a nuanced exploration of leadership, showcasing its many forms through the contrasting personalities aboard the Reluctant. Roberts leads with integrity and self-sacrifice, the captain rules through fear and control, and Pulver evolves from avoidance to action. The film highlights that true leadership isn’t just about authority—it’s about balancing discipline, morale, and the well-being of those under your command. In the end, leadership is not defined by rank, but by the ability to inspire others, stand up for what is right, and leave behind a legacy that others are willing to carry forward.