Excellent plot and script crippled by awful soundtrack

Rating: 6/10 (6 January 2008)

"The Caine Mutiny" is an excellent example of one of those movies that has a lot going for it but is hindered by a few unsuccessful elements.
In this case, the biggest culprit is one of the most annoying soundtracks ever composed. The music gives this film a cheap and dated quality. It is brassy, much, MUCH too loud, and occupies far too much time in the film. Further, it continually uses the same obnoxious theme melody throughout, with some excerpts of familiar military themes (marine's hymn, reveille, etc.) thrown in from time to time...all done in an overblown manner. It is an incredible distraction to a film that otherwise would be quite excellent. And because of its invasive, irritating nature, it is impossible to ignore it.
The acting is quite good for the most part with a couple of exceptions, most notably the part of Ensign Keith played by Francis. Francis is one of those typical young actors in the mold of a Tab Hunter that seemed to be much sought-after during the fifties. Unfortunately, he was a very poor actor. If this was a minor role, it would not be such a problem. But the Keith character is a central one. In addition to his role aboard the ship, he is utilized for a subplot involving a romantic conflict between his girlfriend and cloying mother. Actually, the film's story would have benefited by the exclusion of this subplot altogether.
But the soundtrack is the biggest drawback. It is unfortunate, because the story of a ship's officers growing increasingly disgruntled with their Captain Queeg, their eventual taking control of the ship, and the subsequent court martial trial is actually quite riveting and otherwise worth seeing. It's sort of like watching your favorite team playing in the championship game, while a fan behind you is blowing an airhorn in your ear.