Henry Fonda and the Road to Mister Roberts

By Zachary Smyers
HRNM Educator

One of the most iconic actors from Hollywood’s “golden years,” Henry Fonda, put his successful film career on hold to serve in the Navy during World War II. Perhaps inspired by his narration work on John Ford’s film The Battle of Midway, Fonda made it quite clear that he intended to serve in the war when he said, “I don’t want to be in a fake war in a studio.”

Early head shot of Henry Fonda

At the age of 37, Fonda attended Navy basic training in San Diego, California. He completed the eight weeks of training, and, due to his excellent test scores, received orders to Quartermaster school. In a class of 200, Fonda graduated 10th. Quartermaster Third Class Fonda then reported for duty aboard USS Satterlee (DD 626). During his time aboard Satterlee, Fonda proved himself to be a focused, capable, and motivated sailor. He applied to be an officer, and within a year of his initial enlistment became Lieutenant (junior grade) Fonda.

Lieutenant Henry Fonda during World War II 

After his commission, Fonda received training in photo analysis, coding, and anti-submarine warfare. He eventually made his way to USS Curtiss (AV 4), where he served as the Assistant Air Operations Officer. Fonda rose to the rank of Lieutenant and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service as Assistant Operations Officer and Air Combat Intelligence Officer. When the war in the Pacific ended, Lt. Fonda made his way home.

Fonda's Bronze Star and citation

In 1946 he returned to his acting career and made the film My Darling Clementine, working again with director John Ford. The film received rave reviews and was considered one of the best pictures of 1946. In 1948, Fonda took a break from Hollywood and went to Broadway. It was on Broadway that he would bring to life one of his most memorable characters: Mister Roberts.

Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp in My Darling Clementine

The Broadway production of Mister Roberts was based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Heggen. The story is about Lieutenant (junior grade) Douglas Roberts, a Navy officer on a cargo ship operating in the Pacific during WWII. Despite performing an important job—similar to Fonda in real life—Mister Roberts is discontent with his duties and feels left out of the war. This was a character that Fonda could relate to on a personal level. On February 18, 1948, Henry Fonda once again put on the Navy uniform (which included his own officer’s combination cover) to bring the role of Douglas Roberts to life. With 1,157 performances, Mister Roberts closed on January 6, 1951. The play received multiple Tony Awards, including Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a play for Henry Fonda.

Fonda on Broadway as Mister Roberts

The success of the play led to a film version, again directed by Fonda’s longtime collaborator and friend John Ford, in 1955. At the age of 50, Fonda reprised his role as Douglas Roberts along with an impressive cast, with stars like James Cagney, William Powell, and Jack Lemmon. The film version was well received by fans and critics alike.

Movie poster for the film adaptation of Mister Roberts

Henry Fonda would play a Navy officer in the film Yours, Mine, and Ours (1968), as well as portray Admiral Chester Nimitz twice in the films In Harm’s Way (1965), and Midway (1977). Despite portraying many well-known characters during his long career, it was Douglas Roberts who most closely reflected the real-life experiences of Henry Fonda the Sailor.