I remember watching this version of Mister Roberts on tv, when it was first broadcast. It was basically presented as a teleplay, not a movie. The staging was done as if for the theater. I actually saw this version before ever seeing the Henry Fonda movie.
The acting is generally good; but, it's hard to take Robert Hays seriously after the Airplane films. You never quite believed him as the beloved officer. Also, Howard Hessman was a bit young for the Doc. Kevin Bacon was fine, but Pulver calls for great comedic timing and that's not Bacon's strongpoint.
This was a nice throwback to the early days of television, where you had the great theatrical shows, like Playhouse 90. But, after the motion picture, this never had a chance.
The acting is generally good; but, it's hard to take Robert Hays seriously after the Airplane films. You never quite believed him as the beloved officer. Also, Howard Hessman was a bit young for the Doc. Kevin Bacon was fine, but Pulver calls for great comedic timing and that's not Bacon's strongpoint.
This was a nice throwback to the early days of television, where you had the great theatrical shows, like Playhouse 90. But, after the motion picture, this never had a chance.