Ensign Pulver

Ensign Pulver, directed by Joshua Logan, premiered in 1964 and stars youthful Robert Walker Jr. in the eponymous role, complemented by the legendary Burl Ives and Walter Matthau. Based on the novel by Thomas Heggen and a sequel to the 1955 film "Mister Roberts", this dramatic comedy brings to light the wistful narratives of World War II seamen who face down the drudgery of their oceanic isolation with a blend of wit, humor and occasional rebellion.

Ensign Pulver takes place aboard the USS Reluctant, a cargo ship stationed in the Pacific during the final months of World War II. Anxiety runs high among the enlisted men and officers as they tackle the mundane realities of military life. The film unfolds around the antics of Ensign Frank Pulver (Robert Walker Jr.), a jovial, carefree junior officer who has a penchant for dodging responsibilities.

As the film progresses, the audience gets to delve deeper into Pulver's life, who is more adept at creating chaos than managing mundane navy tasks. He spends more time concocting get-rich-quick schemes and creating diversions than attending to his duties. His youthful exuberance coupled with his zany personality provides the primary source of comic relief throughout the film.

Burl Ives plays the role of Captain Morton, the authoritarian yet sardonic ship's captain. He is a harsh disciplinarian who is often at odds with Pulver's easygoing nature. The conflict and tension between Pulver and Morton form a significant subplot, offering immense scope for drama and comedy.

Walter Matthau plays the role of Doc, a seasoned and wise medical officer, who offers guidance and reprieve to the young ensign as he meanders his way through naval life. Matthau's performance lends a calm amidst the chaos, both balancing and complimenting Robert Walker Jr.'s vibrant energy.

The film reveals the captain's relentless pursuit to maintain decorum onboard while contending with Pulver's antics. This creates a comical tension that makes the narrative engaging. However, it goes beyond the broad slapstick humor to portray the ennui and longing of the soldiers stationed far away from home.

The movie vividly captures the lives of men at sea, where the realities of war lie somewhat remotely from them. They are not directly engaged in combat but are rather confined within the ship, battling monotony with humor and camaraderie. The film is steeped in the feeling of longing: longing for excitement, for home, for the end of an elongated war- the audience sees the sailors contend with feelings of restlessness and homesickness.

A significant part of the narrative's charm lays in the ingenious scams the crew devises to amuse themselves and undermine the captain's authority, concurrently reflecting on their togetherness and friendship.

One of the highlights of Ensign Pulver is its ensemble cast. Robert Walker Jr. brings dynamism and irreverence to the role of Pulver, winning audiences with his charming ebullience. Burl Ives delivers a stern, menacing presence as the strict Captain Morton whose stony exterior often cracks to reveal vulnerability hidden beneath his rigid exterior. Likewise, Walter Matthau's Doc is a perfect foil to the youthful and impulsive Pulver, since he exudes a calm wisdom that equally frustrates and grounds our young ensign.

Woven with subtle threads of drama and speckled with humor, "Ensign Pulver" establishes itself as a poignant commentary on the men who serve in quiet corners of war, away from the blood and battle, combating monotony, dejection, and their personal demons. It boasts an incredible blend of strong character development, sharp comedy, and an evocative setting that presents a deeply human narrative. The film demonstrates that even amid isolation and duty, humor, camaraderie and human spirit can prevail.

Its sly wit and cutting-edge comedy combined with an evocative plot make this movie a must-watch for fans of classic cinema.