An Absolute Must-See!

Rating: 10/10 (27 July 2017)

A huge critical and commercial success in its day, "The Caine Mutiny" is even more involving and entertaining in 2017. Not only is Bogart's brilliant performance undimmed, but Time (and repeated viewings) have allowed us to appreciate the subtlety of MacMurray's viperish portrait, while Francis' early death (I think he made only two more movies before being killed in a light plane crash) has given a poignancy and intensity to his scenes.
May Wynn's career never really took off despite her impressive debut here. Beautifully photographed and costumed, she lends added glamour to both the Yosemite location episode and the nightclub bit where she sings "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me".
And it's also good to see Lee Marvin in a characteristic early role. Another actor deserving commendation and also not usually mentioned in reviews (even though receiving a Hollywood award nomination), is Tom Tully.
From the very opening credits, rousingly scored by Max Steiner, we know we are in for a treat. And we're not disappointed either. Superb acting from a marvelous cast, a solidly suspenseful script with sharp dialogue and fascinating yet involving characters, highly competent direction, superbly attractive Technicolor photography, crisp film editing and masterful craftsmanship all around, in a big- budget movie which for once does its original novel full justice. In fact, Hollywood professionalism at its best.
Even the details and incidental touches are painstakingly accurate. Take Francis' first glimpse of the anything but ship-shape Caine and its slovenly captain (notice how delightfully dapper he is though, when he re-appears at the end).
Bogart gets my vote for his finest performance ever in this riveting story that captures the attention from start to finish, thanks to its excellent script and capably realistic direction. Bogart's portrayal stands up to the closest scrutiny. Francis is also most convincingly sincere, whilst May Wynn (a young actress who has taken the name of the character she plays here as her screen nom-de-plume) makes an attractive heroine and sings most pleasantly. (Whatever happened to her?)
An Actor's Recollection: I loved playing the part. I don't know if I'd jump at the chance to play a villain again — unless of course the movie was done as well. — Fred MacMurray.