Mister Roberts(1955) -
: After the crew learns of Roberts' deal, they forge his signature on a new transfer request, which is finally granted just as the war in Europe ends. The Bittersweet Ending
: Captain Morton’s prized possession is a palm tree he keeps on deck, which serves as a symbol of his authority. In a fit of frustration with the Captain’s tyranny, Roberts eventually throws the tree overboard. Mister Roberts(1955)
Roberts is eventually transferred to a destroyer, realizing his dream of seeing combat. However, the film ends on a poignant note when the crew receives word that Roberts was killed during a kamikaze attack. Spurred by Roberts’ legacy of courage, the previously timid Ensign Pulver finally confronts Captain Morton, throwing the replacement palm tree overboard and taking up Roberts' mantle as the defender of the crew. Mister Roberts (1955) - TCM : After the crew learns of Roberts' deal,
Lieutenant (j.g.) Douglas Roberts ( Henry Fonda ) is a dedicated officer who feels the war is passing him by. While he yearns to transfer to a combat vessel to contribute to the fight, he is trapped on a supply ship in the Pacific's backwaters. His primary obstacle is the ship’s captain, Lieutenant Commander Morton ( James Cagney ), a petty and authoritarian tyrant. Life on "The Bucket" Roberts is eventually transferred to a destroyer, realizing
The crew of the Reluctant suffers from extreme boredom and the Captain's refusal to grant shore liberty. Roberts acts as a buffer between the crew and the Captain, often sacrificing his own interests to improve their morale. He shares quarters with the lazy, womanizing Ensign Frank Pulver ( Jack Lemmon ), who goes to great lengths to avoid the Captain entirely. The ship’s medical officer, known simply as "Doc" ( William Powell ), provides a cynical but wise perspective on the internal power struggle. The Bargain and the Palm Tree
