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The Caine Mutiny
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Classic non-combat WWII drama has complex themes.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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What's the Story?
THE CAINE MUTINY takes place in 1943, the Pacific Theater, as the US Navy continues its battle against the Japanese. The Caine, a bedraggled and disorganized mine sweeper, gets a new captain... a by-the-book authority figure who demands order and efficiency. At first Captain Queeg (Humphrey Bogart, Oscar-nominated for his performance) seems a godsend, at least to Ensign Keith, a newbie with high expectations for his naval service. But quickly, however, the captain's behavior borders on destructive, especially when he makes some bizarre decisions that call his sanity into question. The officers onboard must then make critical decisions of their own, putting careers and lives in jeopardy.
Is It Any Good?
This is an excellent drama for adults as well as for tweens and teens who can appreciate some complexity along with their wartime history. Part war film, part psychological thriller, and part courtroom drama, this movie adapted from a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Herman Wouk focuses on important concepts, significant in any era: the nature of courage, the horrific effects of wartime on an individual's mental well-being, and the importance of doing the right thing, regardless of consequences. Though it's sometimes old-fashioned (particularly in an unnecessary romantic sub-plot) and clumsily directed, nuanced characters (played by some very appealing and popular actors of the 1950s) and an earnest effort to explore all the sides of the issues at hand make this film as relevant as it was when it was made.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss this movie's insights into the concept of leadership. What makes a good leader? Did this story help clarify your opinion?
How did the filmmakers portray Captain Queeg, as a sympathetic character, a villain, or a combination of the two? Did your view of him ever change? Why or why not?
Were you surprised by the courtroom testimony of Lieutenant Tom Keefer (Fred MacMurray)? Why do you think he testified in that way?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 24, 1954
- On DVD or streaming: March 8, 2005
- Cast: Humphrey Bogart , Fred MacMurray , Van Johnson
- Director: Edward Dmytryk
- Studio: Columbia Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: History
- Run time: 125 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
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