Henry Fonda re-created his Broadway hit for this 1955 film that was mostly directed by Fonda's frequent collaborator, John Ford (Young Mr. Lincoln, My Darling Clementine)--an ailing Ford was replaced at some point by Mervyn LeRoy--and the results are exceptionally fine. A perfect cast, including James Cagney's irascible captain, William Powell's thoughtful physician, and Jack Lemmon's Oscar-winning Ensign Pulver, give Fonda the right boost to portray his ennui-burdened officer with dignity, self-effacing humor, and not a trace of self-pity. A wonderful film. --Tom Keogh
Synopsis: A young Navy lieutenant, Doug Roberts, spends a tour of duty not in combat, where he wants to be, but on a supply ship run by a power-hungry and abusive captain who's out to get him. Roberts makes the best of a bad situation, however, and all the other seamen hold him up as their hero.