wonderful film BUT very different from the book

Rating: 10/10 (9 June 2005)

As far as war movies are concerned, this is among the very best because it focuses so well on characterizations. Although Bogart was excellent in the film, I found myself most satisfied with two characters--Jose Ferrer as the prosecutor and especially Fred McMurray as the Mr. Know-it-all who pushes the 2nd in command to mutiny--only to ultimately shows his cowardice and leave the 2nd in command holding the blame. I've known people like McMurray's character and so it was really nice to see this portrayal. As far as characterizations go, about the only film I can think of that gets it better is TWELVE ANGRY MEN.
One important note: The book is very different from the movie in that Queeg, though a poor leader, was NOT incapacitated by fear and self-doubt. The crew taking control of the ship was NOT warranted, as it clearly was in the movie. My advice is to read the book and see the movie--they're both exceptional but different.