Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Nessieldwi Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Jenni Devyn Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

Seltzer William Powell is, as always, wonderful. His acting is beautifully understated. I wish you could say the same for Henry Fonda and Jack Lemmon. Such overacting and theatrics. And they don't seem to know how to talk in a normal tone of voice. Perhaps they could have shut up for a few moments and listened to how William Powell does it. There are so many boo-boos and ridiculous set-ups in this film. For example, everyone gathers around to hear Mr. Roberts' letter to Pulver. But they continue to crouch around when he moves on to read a letter from his friend. Why would they care? Well, because the letter from the friend contains big dramatic news, so they have to be all clustered around so we can see them look shocked and grieved. So phony.And Navy enlisted personnel who break into the colonial governor's mansion and damage property would not just be escorted back to their ship. That's just silly.

thinker1691 If one has ever read the novel " Mr. Roberts " then seen the movie of that same name, they would see very little difference in the film version. Henry Fonda has the featured part which is played well against the antagonist, James Cagney, who has an equally memorable role. The story is about an idealist young Lt. JG named Douglas A. 'Doug' Roberts. Although he serves as Cargo Officer aboard a transport vessel, he secretly yearns to see real 'action' aboard a actual naval ship, preferably a warship. However, his commanding Officer, one Captain Morton (James Cagney) realizes Robert's dream of transferring to other duties, but spitefully chooses to keep him in his unhappy position. The men aboard ship, which includes (William Powell, in his last film), Jack Lemmon and Ward Bond as Chief Petty Officer Dowdy, admire Roberts and decided to help him with a secret plan. The movie itself is a wonderful, but dramatic portrayal of naval personal who dream of going into action, despite the risks associated with their decisions. The audience should be prepared for some tender and poignant pathos. Recommended to all Fonda and Lemmon fans. ****

internationaldave My late Father's favorite movie. Between him and my Brother, they have 50 years of Navy behind them. Neither one ever set foot on a bucket, though. They were both Navy Aviation. A movie like this is timeless. James Cagney plays such a convincing idiotic officer. I was Army Aviation and Air Defense Artillary for 3 years and I have seen my share of moronic officers. Anyone who hasn't seen it is missing out. The ending was about the last thing you would expect. I have seen the movie quite a few times over the years, going back to the early '60's and saw it again last night after a few year lull. Martin Milner as the VERY southern Shore Patrol Officer was great! I would have never guessed it was him until I saw the credits. "Festus" from Gunsmoke is also in it, though you can't recognize him. No one should miss this one.

writers_reign As someone remarked here it's not always possible to revisit a film you watched several years ago and extract the same full measure of enjoyment out of it because the alchemy of the years between is inclined to tarnish it but Mr. Roberts for the most part does retain its luminescence so that what you originally rated 10/10 has slipped to perhaps 8 or 9. Much has been made of the fact that John Ford was the original director and this is evident by the likes of Ward Bond, Harry Carey Jnr and Duke Wayne's son, Patrick in supporting roles, all three having strong connections to Ford and while they don't necessarily enhance the film neither do they impair it. It's very much an actor's movie and it's especially rewarding to see three of the finest of the Old Guard - Hank Fonda, Jimmy Cagney and Bill Powell, handing the torch on to the best of the next generation in Jack Lemon. All have - and make the best of - outstanding moments and though difficult to select one out of the four for me Bill Powell just shades it by the tiniest margin. With acting of this calibre it's immaterial who directed what segment and what really matters is what's on screen and now, thankfully, DVD.