We Joined the Navy (1963) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

The account follows unconventional officer Robert Badger through career setbacks, Dartmouth training, personal and disciplinary entanglements, and an overseas mission that ends before its crises are resolved.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

A Career of Transfers

Badger points out a contradiction in a naval exercise and is transferred despite his superior commending the observation. A psychological assessment is proposed to identify a suitable role.

Key Events

• Badger's Career Mishaps — Badger's repeated mishaps and transfers mark his naval career. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger Location: Royal Navy service
• Exercise Readiness Dispute — Badger questions an exercise treating a ship as ready to attack after it was judged sunk. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger Location: Naval exercise
• Badger Is Transferred — His superior commends the observation but transfers Badger. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger Location: Naval service
• Role Assessment Proposed — A psychological assessment is proposed to find Badger a suitable role. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger Location: Naval service

Unorthodox Lessons at Dartmouth

Badger becomes associated with training at Dartmouth, where his views on discipline and leadership impress the cadets. Dewberry gets into trouble after an exercise encounter, but an instructor accepts his explanation and lets him continue.

Key Events

• Dartmouth Training Assignment — Badger becomes associated with training at Dartmouth. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger Location: Dartmouth
• Badger Challenges Convention — His unorthodox views on discipline and leadership impress the cadets. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger Location: Dartmouth
• Dewberry's Exercise Encounter — An initiative exercise leads Dewberry to encounter a young woman. Characters: George Dewberry Sr., Dartmouth Girl Location: Dartmouth
• Dewberry Gets in Trouble — Dewberry gets into trouble, but an instructor accepts a harmless explanation. Characters: George Dewberry Sr., Dance Instructor Location: Dartmouth
• Course Continues — The instructor lets Dewberry continue his course. Characters: George Dewberry Sr., Dance Instructor Location: Dartmouth

Defenses and Personal Tension

Badger argues that Carson acted in self-defence in the matter involving Albert and presents a detailed account at a hearing. He also defends two men accused of fighting, while an examination by Blair hints at personal attraction.

Key Events

• Inquiry Over Albert — Badger argues that Carson acted in self-defence in the matter involving Albert. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger, Carson Location: Inquiry setting
• Badger's Hearing Account — Badger presents an elaborate account portraying Carson as protecting Albert. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger, Carson Location: Hearing
• Two Men Face Allegations — Badger defends two men accused of fighting; the outcome is not given. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger Location: Proceeding
• Blair Examines Badger — Blair examines Badger, and their teasing hints at attraction. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger, Lt. Carol Blair Location: Examination setting

The Maroneia Mission

Ryan briefs the officers on unrest in Maroneia and the need to protect a hostage without provoking any side. Before arrival, Carson, Dewberry, and another man are discovered missing, and Badger joins the search.

Key Events

• Ryan Briefs Officers — Ryan briefs the officers on unrest and a hostage in Maroneia. Characters: Vice Admiral Ryan, Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger Location: Ship
• Hostage Mission Defined — The Navy must protect the hostage without provoking the government, rebels, or public. Characters: Vice Admiral Ryan, Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger Location: Ship
• Three Men Missing — Officers discover Carson, Dewberry, and another man are missing. Characters: Carson, George Dewberry Sr. Location: Ship
• Search Begins — Badger joins the search for the missing men. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger Location: Ship

An Unfinished Arrival

The ship faces a cheering crowd amid a volatile revolution ashore. The account ends without finding the missing men or resolving the hostage crisis.

Key Events

• Ship Approaches Maroneia — The ship reaches the area while the missing men remain unaccounted for. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger, Carson, George Dewberry Sr. Location: Off Maroneia
• Crowd Welcomes Ship — The ship faces a cheering crowd as revolution makes the situation volatile. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger, Vice Admiral Ryan Location: Maroneia
• Crisis Remains Unresolved — The account ends before the missing men are found or the hostage crisis is resolved. Characters: Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger, Carson, George Dewberry Sr., Vice Admiral Ryan Location: Maroneia

Story Breakdown

• Career Setbacks — Badger's candor repeatedly disrupts his naval career.
  • Exercise Contradiction — Badger questions the exercise's treatment of a ship previously judged sunk.
  • Transfer and Assessment — His superior transfers him, and a psychological assessment is proposed.
• Dartmouth Assignment — Badger takes up a training role and makes an impression on cadets.
  • Unorthodox Opinions — His views on Navy discipline and leadership stand out.
  • Cadet Impressions — The cadets respond strongly to his unconventional approach.
• Dewberry's Trouble — An initiative exercise leads Dewberry into a troublesome encounter.
  • Exercise Encounter — Dewberry encounters a young woman during the exercise.
  • Course Continues — An instructor accepts a harmless explanation and lets him continue.
• Badger's Defenses — Badger advocates for men facing disciplinary scrutiny.
  • Carson and Albert — Badger argues that Carson acted in self-defence in the puppy inquiry.
  • Fighting Allegation — Badger defends two men accused of fighting; the outcome is not provided.
• Blair's Examination — A professional encounter between Blair and Badger carries hints of attraction.
  • Professional Examination — Blair examines Badger.
  • Teasing Conversation — Their exchange hints at personal attraction.
• Maroneia Hostage Mission — The Navy receives a delicate assignment amid revolt and a hostage situation.
  • Ryan's Briefing — Ryan informs officers about the unrest and hostage.
  • Careful Protection — The mission must avoid provoking the government, rebels, or public.
• Missing Men and Arrival — The ship's approach is complicated by missing men and a volatile reception.
  • Search for Missing Men — Badger joins the search after Carson, Dewberry, and another man disappear.
  • Unresolved Crisis — The ship faces a cheering crowd, but neither the search nor hostage crisis is resolved in the account.

Directed by

Wendy Toye

Key Cast

• Kenneth More — Lt. Cmdr. Robert Badger
• Lloyd Nolan — Vice Admiral Ryan
• Joan O'Brien — Lt. Carol Blair
• Derek Fowlds — Carson
• John Le Mesurier — George Dewberry Sr.