Although a mutiny has never occured on a US Navy vessel, this is an intriguing story about how such questions could arise.  This film of a popular novel boasts career-high performances from almost a half-dozen major actors.  Bogart is cast against type and succeeds, Fred Macmurray handles a complex part with his deft and broad range and Van Johnson surprised me with his tortured but underplayed rendition of an officer in uncommon command circumstances.  Jose Ferrer uses few lines to get maximum effect and directoral emphasis is on the positive, even in downbeat scenes.  One of the best US films in its decade.

 

12/30/2009