Fond du Lac Community Theatre presented Herman Wouk's dramatic play

The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial

with six performances on March 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17, 1990 at 8:00 P.M. at the Goodrich High School Little Theater.

"The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial" was produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Incorporated, 45 West 25th Street, New York, New York 10001.

Award:    Herman Wouk won the Pulitzer Prize for his novel.  

Films: "The Caine Mutiny" was made into a major motion picture in 1954.   It starred Humphrey Bogart as "Captain Philip Francis Queeg," Van Johnson as "Lieutenant Steve Maryk," Jose Ferrer, Fred MacMurray, E.G. Marshall and Lee Marvin.  "The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial" was made by Robert Altman in 1988.

A critique was published in the Reporter newspaper on March 14, 1990, page 9, in the Entertainment section, marked, "Critics Corner."  It is reproduced below:

A review by John Silah, special to the Reporter

"Mutiny" Showcases Actors' Talents

    Despite the fact that the novel, "The Caine Mutiny," won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1952, I must confess that I wasn't particularly looking forward to the latest Community Theatre play, "The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial," based on that novel.

    I've only been the lighting technician for the Little Theatre for half a year, but in that short time we've seen the glamour of the Miss Fond du Lac Pageant, the glitz and good fun of "The Apple Tree," the fine production and music of "The Sound of Music," and color and wit of "Alice in Wonderland," these last two "mere" high school plays that both seemed to transcend that label.  Not to mention the fine "Town and Gown" offerings.  So a courtroom drama did not look very promising.  Do we need more "Perry Mason?"

    I am happy to report, however, that my expectations are often lacking in accuracy.  Sure, "Caine" may not have what I call "flash and dazzle," but it is not lacking much else.

    First of all, the play was written by the novelist himself, Herman Wouk, and his prize-winning abilities shine again.  The play is better constructed than the motion picture was.

    Secondly, and most importantly, the play provides a showcase for the some of the best actors in the community.  This is an actor's play, and Fond du Lac seems to have some of the most consistently fine actors I've seen.

    Bud Caldwell has the juiciest part and, as anyone who is familiar with Bud's work would expect, he does an outstanding job with it, surpassing, in my opinion, even the portrayal by Humphrey Bogart in the film.  Perhaps it is due more to the rather stoic acting style of the forties and fifties, but whatever the reason, the acting in this play is more intense and watchable than the film.

    Other actors worthy of note include Scott Stanley, who handles the largest role like a pro; John Emery, whose real-life role as an attorney must have helped in his realistic portrayal of the prosecuting attorney; and Thom Homburg, who convincingly portrays the naive defendant.

    But watch also for those actors who can make a lot out of a small part.  Nathan Wessel does justice to the elusive novelist catalyst.  Ward Trastek is highly believable as the experienced ship handler.  And Tom Schmitz does a fine job in providing much-needed comic relief as the not-very-bright signalman.

    If you happened to miss this one on its first go-round last weekend, you have have a second chance.  Community Theatre has decided to run its productions for two weekends this year, so you can still catch this gem on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, March 15, 16th, and 17th.  About the only Community Theatre male star you won't see on the stage is John Newman, but that is because he is working behind the scenes, making his debut as a Community Theatre Director.  But, of course, the Director's touch is everywhere, as evidence that we should see more of Mr. Newman's work in the future.

    (Silah works for Goodrich High School as audio/visual specialist during the day, and as theatre technical director in the evening.  Previously, he was one of the "Cableview" television series movie reviewers for five years, as well as the show's producer.  Silah offered the review to The Reporter on Monday.)

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