The Caine Mutiny

The Caine Mutiny is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Caine Mutiny Court Martial by Herman Wouk. I can't criticize the differences between book and film because the screenplay was also by Herman Wouk, with the assistance of Stanley Roberts and additional dialogue by Michael Blankfort. The film was directed by Edward Dmytryk and was arguably His finest product.

Everyone, even the kids (over 18) today, knows Humphrey Bogart, but few know Director Edward Dmytryk. Although a competent and prolific director (54 movies from 1935 to 1979), there are relatively few movie fans who can name more than one or two of his movies -- if that many. Dmytryk was better known for his resisting the HUAC (House Unamerican Activities Committee) hearings of the fifties. His refusal to answer questions and name other Hollywood figures suspected of being Communists earned him a place on the Blacklist and 6 months in jail.

One of his losers was Bluebeard with Richard Burton - a good example of forgettability. His winners (though not usual Oscar status) are Anzio; Alvarez Kelly; The Carpetbaggers;Walk On The Wild Side, an underappreciated black and white film with Laurence Harvey; The Young Lions with a blonde Marlon Brando; Raintree County with Elizabeth Taylor;The Mountain with Spencer Tracy; The Juggler with Kirk Douglas, and many more. Most of his movies were in black and white because he felt the medium possessed greater impact by forcing attention to the content.

A quick summary of the plot is easy. Humphrey Bogart is an easily unlikable Navy officer who shows many signs of mental peculiarities. One of his favorite habits (later mimicked by millions of men as a joke) was to rotate two large steel ballbearings in his hand when under stress -- which was most of the time. Taking command of the old minesweeper (he wanted a more glamorous assignment) he resented everyone on board. With nothing better to do, he took it out on everyone, arbitrarily curtailing shore liberty, on board movies, and other privileges.

Lt. Keefer, a novelist in civilian life, keeps nagging the rest of the staff officers about Queeg's idiosyncrasies, suggesting more and more heavily that the man is insane and unfit to command. The climax of the convoluted struggle between Queeg, Keefer, and the other staff officers -- particularly Lt. Maryk comes during a typhoon in which Queeg freezes and nearly capsizes the ship.

The Caine Mutiny was a well thought-out movie, with planning and preparations (including getting the cooperation of the U.S. Navy) occupied a full 15 months. It shows. Although Richard Widmark was originally chosen to play the lead, Producer Stanley Kramer (with the encouragement of Director Dmytryk) wanted Bogart. I, personally, think this was a good choice and can't imagine any other actor as Queeg.

Thanks to "SHEST PAIN" for introducing me to "OSHO BABA" & "MUZZY GUZZY", who introduced me to such movies and a whole new world that was new and so interesting.

Cheers!!!!