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While certainly not the movie of the year(or any year, for that matter), this follow-up to Mr. Roberts was a lot of fun to watch as an adolescent, and later as an adult. It is a totally different movie than Roberts, so don't expect the same caliber or even the same genre-it's just fun to watch! The dialogue is clever, though the characters maybe a little cardboard. Matthau is great as "Doc", Ives as the evil captain, and Walker as the grandiose-yet-cowardly, slingshot and marble carrying ensign. I enjoyed seeing the familiar faces of the many character actors whom you'll quickly recognize (if you are of sufficient age or TV exposure).

I saw this movie when we first got cable in the early 80's. It really got my attention with the jarring beginning, and the subsequent treatment of the initial character and the bar acquaintances who soon become his support and "family". Great ensemble cast, great soundtrack( I have it on LP), great story. You'll recognize several faces of character actors and some who went on to the small screen for bigger parts. The story doesn't protect the viewer from the ugliness of the characters' lives, though it does let us see the joy and hope the have in the less-than-ideal lives they must live. Some might classify the ending as "hokey", but I prefer to see it as "satisfying".