Just a thought about Fred MacMurray

Rating: Null/10 (28 December 2005)

I can't add to the many insightful comments and thoughts about this wonderful film. However, watch Fred MacMurray (Lt. Keefer) carefully in one scene to see an example of real acting.
It tales place just after Lt. Harding has told Maryk, Keith and Keefer that there is no hidden key and the mess boys did eat the remaining strawberries. Keefer has a smug, self satisfied "I told you so" look on his face. However, Maryk turns to him and suggests that the three of them take the boat over to the aircraft carrier to tell the admiral about Capt. Queeg. As Maryk is telling this to Keefer, watch how that self satisfied grin slowly turns to concern and alarm. Keefer felt self assured and "in charge" as long as the dirty little secret stayed aboard the Caine. However, now that Maryk wants to take his case to Admiral Nimitz in the "real Navy" Keefer doesn't want any part of it, and subsequent scenes reveal his true character, or lack of same.