2023 movie #16. 1959. Beautifully shot but turgid biopic of John Paul "I have not yet begun to fight!" Jones, America's first naval hero. Spectacular naval battle near the end was worth waiting for. ( )

The film tells the historical tale of early US naval pioneer John Paul Jones (Robert Stack). Born John Paul (Jones was added later) in Scotland the story follows John as he runs off to sea as a young lad, his early career in the British merchant marine and his induction into the Continental Navy - the forerunner to the US Navy. He battles against patronage, befriends Benjamin Franklin (Charles Coburn) and ends his career in the Russian Navy. "John Paul Jones" is a fine, colourful film that has an unfortunate tendency towards sanctimony. The condensing of events to fit the needs of a film allows plenty of incidental historical inaccuracies to arise, but for the most part it is reasonably accurate. Director John Farrow gives the film a handsome look making best use of the width of the screen, delivering some lush Technicolor effects and some nice directorial flourishes ranging from expansive ocean-going shots to a cleverly constructed portrayal of the meeting between Jones and George Washington at Valley Forge. Robert Stack is stiff and one-dimensional in the lead role delivering his line in a strange uninflected monotone. That said he is appropriately handsome, courageous and single-minded. It is a slightly odd performance but a strangely appealing one for all that. ( )