Annapolis Farewell: Old Boats and Older Grudges

Is it worth your time?

If you have a thing for black-and-white dramas about the dignity of old sailors, you might find this charming. If you are looking for action or anything resembling a modern pace, you will probably be checking your watch within ten minutes. It’s definitely not for everyone, but there’s something strange about how much this movie cares about a decommissioned hunk of steel.

Commodore Fitzhugh is the kind of guy who probably yells at clouds. He hangs around the Annapolis Naval Academy like he’s still in charge, constantly reminding everyone about the "old navy." It feels a bit like watching someone talk about a high school football game they won forty years ago.

The Ship as a Character

The USS Congress is technically just a prop, but the movie treats it like a retired pet. Seeing it docked there in the harbor, just waiting to be towed away for target practice, actually kind of hurt. You know how it is, sometimes you start feeling for the scenery more than the people.

There's this moment when the reality hits the Commodore, and the camera just lingers on his face. It’s not subtle acting, but it hits the spot. He’s not just losing a ship; he’s losing his relevance, I guess.

Odd Observations

• The dialogue feels like it’s from another planet sometimes.
• I spent way too long looking at the background extras to see if they were actually paying attention.
• The transition from his memories to the cold, modern reality is a bit jarring, but maybe that’s the point.
• There is a distinct lack of anything actually happening for long stretches of time.

If you've seen Oh, You Beautiful Doll, you know how these older films can get caught up in their own nostalgia. It’s the same vibe here, just with more anchors and less music. Sometimes I wonder if these characters ever just sit down and have a normal conversation.

The whole "going down with the ship" thing feels like a bit much, honestly. But in the context of the movie, it makes perfect sense for a guy who has nowhere else to go. It’s a quiet, melancholy sort of ending that doesn't try to solve all the world's problems. It just lets the old guy have his moment.

It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a decent enough way to kill an hour if you're feeling a bit sentimental yourself. ⚓️