Once again Altman directs an adaptation of a play on one set and destined for television broadcast. The material here is Herman Wouk’s 1953 courtroom drama about a naval officer on trial for leading a rebellion on ship against a bitter, obsessive and vindictive captain. Hired to remake material that had been a hit both on Broadway and as a Hollywood film, Altman was told that he could not change a word of Wouk’s script. Instead, he worked with his actors to bring out the ambiguities—about military ethics, warfare and authority—that underpin the play’s often-straightforward morality. Altman’s choice of a gymnasium basketball court for the proceedings gives the film an ironic touch of nostalgic Americana.
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The Complete Robert Altman
Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson
Directed by Robert Altman, 1976
Screening on Film
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Vincent & Theo
Directed by Robert Altman, 1990
Screening on Film
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Fool for Love
Directed by Robert Altman, 1985
Screening on Film
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Prêt-à-porter
Directed by Robert Altman, 1994
Screening on Film
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California Split
Directed by Robert Altman, 1974
Screening on Film
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Thieves Like Us
Directed by Robert Altman, 1974
Screening on Film
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A Perfect Couple
Directed by Robert Altman, 1979
Screening on Film
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A Prairie Home Companion
Directed by Robert Altman, 2006
Screening on Film
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O.C. and Stiggs
Directed by Robert Altman, 1987
Screening on Film
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That Cold Day in the Park
Directed by Robert Altman, 1969
Screening on Film
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Corn's-A-Poppin'
Directed by Robert Woodburn, 1956
Screening on Film
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McCabe & Mrs. Miller
Directed by Robert Altman, 1971
Screening on Film
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The Gingerbread Man
Directed by Robert Altman, 1998
Screening on Film
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Dr. T and the Women
Directed by Robert Altman, 2000
Screening on Film
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Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean
Directed by Robert Altman, 1982
Screening on FilmRecently Restored