Written by Kris Land
The story behind Mister Roberts has endured a long history, bringing the bright limelight aboard the USNS New Bedford, now the Sea Bird. The original novel, written by Thomas Heggen in 1946, moved on to become a 1948 Broadway hit starring Henry Fonda. Filmed aboard the Sea Bird in1954, the original cinematic version was released in 1955 and enjoyed an enthusiastic reception. Fonda reprised his role as Mr. Roberts, starring along with James Cagney, Jack Lemmon, and William Powell.
The following Mister Roberts created was amazing, and went well beyond what Heggen originally anticipated to come of his novel. Proving that even though the story took place in World War II it is a timeless classic, yet another version of Mister Roberts was born. In 1984, a television film re-make was aired under the same title. The new Mister Roberts starred Robert Hays, Raye Birk, Charles Durning, Marilu Henner, Howard Hesseman, Peter Jason, Charles Lang, Christopher Murray, Joe Pantoliano, and 1980's film staple, Kevin Bacon.
Despite the lengthy history of the original Mister Roberts, from novel to silver screen, the television remake did not live up to expectations. Perhaps it goes without saying that it is hard to improve upon perfection. The 1984 remake was aired as a part of the NBC Live Theatre slot, which presented famous Broadway productions and classic Hollywood films.
Fans of the original Mister Roberts will appreciate the similar story followed by the 1984 version. However, the actors chosen seem to pale in comparison to the unbelievable talent of the 1955 version. After it was aired, the 1984 Mister Roberts faded into general obscurity save for its name linking it to the classic 1955 film and earlier Broadway production.
What the 1984 Mister Roberts does share is that interest in the story remains. Some viewers enjoyed the
remake, although stating it would not live up to the original. The 1955 Mister Roberts was a gigantic success and what has become an immortal hit, bringing fame to the USNS New Bedford just as it did the actors and directors that worked on it.
The original Broadway play earned a Tony Award for Best Play. Henry Fonda was also awarded a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role as Mr. Roberts. The 1955 original film received an excellent response from audiences throughout the country. Sadly, the 1984 re-make did not receive similar recognition, but still offers enjoyable viewing. And while it is still a part of Mister Roberts' history, when film fans reminisce about the crew aboard the USNS New Bedford they will forever recall the beloved original.
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Jack Lemmon, The Face of PulverKris Land
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1944: Camano Class Light Cargo Ship was laid down for the US Army as FS-289 at Wheeler Shipbuilding in Whitestone, NY.
1945: Delivered to US Army.
1950: Acquired by the US Navy on July 1, 1950 and placed in service as USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1954: The movie, Mister Roberts, was made on the USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1955 - 1963: Used as a cargo supply ship for the Texas Towers, a network of advanced radar stations located off the Eastern Seaboard. In 1957, Capt. Sixto Mangual was commander of the AKL-17 and in 1961 it was rechristened the USNS New Bedford. The New Bedford, sailing out of State Pier, was keeping vigil when Texas Tower No. 4 callapsed off the New Jersey coast during a January 1961 nor'easter.
1963: Reclassified as Miscellaneous Unclassified (IX-308).
1971: The New Bedford (IX-308) served as a Torpedo Test Firing Vessel in the Puget Sound area.
1994: Ceremony in New Bedford.
1995: The ship was struck from the Naval Register on April 4.
2004: The Sea Bird's current disposition is a tuna long liner (fishing boat) out of San Diego, CA.
2006: Design of the Tesla Turbine began on June 11, 2006. The Sea Bird was sold by Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service for commercial service.
2007: The Sea Bird was drydocked for renovations.
2008: The Sea Bird setting sail to Sea-Tac in Seattle, WA.
2009 - 2010: The Sea Bird is currently docked at Seattle Sea-Tac.
