THE CAPTAIN

by Russell Thacher ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 15, 1951

The terrible, quiet tragedy of humanity abandoned for conformity to the letter of the law evolves from this skillful portrait of men at war. The Captain, in rank a lieutenant in the Naval Reserve, commanded an boat in the Pacific theatre of World War II. Challenging, demanding his understanding were the explosive personal conflicts of his men-Officer Gil, sensitive, thrown by his need of love to Esprito of doubtful reputation; engineer Swett, attempting sabotage in resentment of discipline; loyal Mac; Buck, a capable egro, who wanted only the promised promotion the Navy never gave him; Major Forbes of the , whose rescue from death by the Captain was refused by the Commander; and an assortment of good, bad, lonely and tired men. It is the Captain who makes adjustments -- cutting in Naval orders; taking on forbidden operations to save men under fire; and trying esperately to keep open the channel between military expediency and human needs. But like all liberals with a conscience, he fails to satisfy the mores of the militarist, and is discharged from his duty. Of individual integrity and mass efficiency, this the sad balance sheet.

Pub Date: May 15, 1951

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1951

Categories: FICTION