BEING THE LAST theatrically released film that was done starring Mr. Robert Stack prior to his appearing as Prohibition Agent, Elliot Ness, its stature and viewer-ship doubtless was enhanced with the name of Stack being now a household word. As we recall, the series was already on ABC when JOHN PAUL JONES(Samuel Bronston Prod./Suevia Films/Warner Bros., 1959)hit the shows.*AS AN HISTORICAL Biopic, it was somewhat more lively than many others; which often opted for a more Docudrama approach. Early scene of a young John Paul pitching some cackle fruit (that's eggs, Schultz) at some Redcoats. This happened in young Jones' native Scotland. This was most likely a mood setter and a dramatic tool.OTHERWISE THE MOVIE moves along tracing the life of who has been called "the Father of the United States Navy" as it progresses from humble beginnings to his famous quote of "I have not yet begun to fight!" BY STORY'S END we see Admiral Jones auditioning for Russia's Czarina Catherine the Great; being played in a sort of Cameo Role by the Actress of Actresses, Betty Davis.SEEING THIS WAS a big deal for us when we were in Junior High. It was a story that had to be told and could well be told again. The Historical biopic may not be the best source of learning about one's nation; but it is at least a step in the right direction; especially today, when the teaching of History and its companion piece, Geography, seems to have become a thing of the past.NOTE * The Untouchables premiered as a two part story on the hour long DESILU PLAYHOUSE on CBS the year before its emergence as a weekly series on ABC. The initial story concerned the bagging of Capone and his subsequent trip to the Federal Pen.

After becoming a Revolutionary War hero, Scottish seafaring Robert Stack (as John Paul Jones) wants to hook up with wispy Marisa Pavan (as Aimee de Tellison), upon obtaining the blessing of founding father pal Charles Coburn (as Benjamin Franklin). Although he helped win America's independence, Mr. Stack butts heads with the country's Congress, who send him to Russia, where he has a brief encounter with French-accented Empress Bette Davis (as Catherine the Great).This overproduced and generally uncomfortable-looking "John Paul Jones" biography is loud, stiff, and boring. As if to compensate, the color is turned up so much it appears as if the sea and sky were dyed for the occasion, along with a few of the wigs. There is an impressive use of fire during a sea battle, and Mr. Stack does get to exclaim, "I have not yet begun to fight!" Ms. Davis adds little beside her name to the credits, but Mr. Coburn and a few others help keep it afloat.**** John Paul Jones (6/19/59) John Farrow ~ Robert Stack, Marisa Pavan, Charles Coburn, Bette Davis

In The Revolution only one man attacked British merchant shipping so fierce that the Llyod's Company begged King George to let America go. That same man attacked a British installation in the West Indies and conducted the only foreign incursion on British soil in a millennium. Such a character must have captured taken Hollywood by storm.Billed as the "true" story of John Paul Jones, John Paul Jones offers for Hollywood an accurate summary of the dynamic naval hero's life.Though larger than life, Jones born John Paul stood 5'6" tall, hardly NBA material today but in his time perhaps average. Size was hardly the only obstacle Jones had to overcome. Not favored by birth into a poor Scottish Clan during occupation by Red Coats. John Paul at age 14 goes to sea as ship's boy.Rising to wealth in the West Indies, John Paul (Robert Stack) kills a mutinous crewman. The British magistrate offers friendly advise: flee to America rather than face an Admiralty Court. In Virginia, Jones finds America seething with resentment toward the Redcoats and veering into revolution.When Revolution explodes, Jones accepts a commission. His mission to raid a British fortification in the West Indies brings needed gunpowder to the American cause. In his next command, Jones takes 18 British vessels. Despite all the prizes, the Continental Congress lands Jones at the bottom of their list of naval commanders.Robert Stack's stately appearance and mellifluous voice carry the air of command, even if they do not capture a Scottish burr. Stack plays Jones as the committed hero, unshakable in battle, despite a justifiably anger at the ingratitude Congress would show almost all its talented land and sea commanders.Yet despite the rage General George Washington (Jack Crawford) persuades Jones to return to sea to break the British blockade. Jones promises to steal the derelict Ranger docked at Portsmouth, refit it, raise a crew, and set to sea.On the briny, the French greet The Ranger (according to the movie) with the first salute given to the flag of the United States. History usually gives the honour of the first salute to US colors to the Dutch at St. Eustis.Rushing to Doctor Franklin (Charles Coburn), Jones has a plan to invade the British Isles with a tiny ship. While distracting the entire British Navy with incursions and raids, Jones will force insurance rates to skyrocket. Although the mission was successful, a disgruntled crewman's charges lead to the relief of Jones. Ranger is withdrawn to America. High and Dry in France with only the comfort of his beloved aimee, Aimee Jones regrets his inability to build an American Navy above politics and privateering.Although the King of France cannot provide a ship for Jones, the Queen privately invests in the Bon Homme Richard named after Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac." Asea under the American flag, meets the HMS Serapis in an attack so fierce that the two ships are grappled together and firing point blank. Refusing to surrender, Jones declares the famous words, "I have not yet begun to fight." The British surrender just in time for the Americans to transfer to the captured vessel before the good ship Bonhomme flounders.First in war and first asea, Jones finishes last in love. Despite honors and acclaim Jone's girl Aimee is of the blood Royal who cannot marry a commoner. Peace brings a let down. The young republic cannot afford a naval fleet with competent seamen. The Real life Jones warned accurately of future trouble with the Barbary coast.The new Republic would pay dearly ($2000 per seaman captured by barbary pirates) for ignoring Jone's prophesy.Jones departed for Russia to accept a commission as rear admiral in the Czarist Imperial Navy from Catherine the Great (Bette Davis). In the movie, Jones is on assignment from the US government to study the building of a real navy; in reality Jones was out of work and needed a job. While the Empress is less interested in war than playthings, Jones prefers the sea and his command.The real life Jones found the Czarina's navy in worse shape than the American Navy with conscripted serfs unable at seamanship. Jone's reports resulted in trumped up charges. Luckily Jones was permitted to leave for France.The movie version is kinder to the Russians. Despite constant interference and poor ships, Jones has won great battles in the Black Sea for the czarina. However, Jones has fallen critically ill.On return from Russia, Jones is attended by Franklin and Aimee. In real life Jones died alone. Franklin had departed for America long before.Jones probably would have enjoyed the uniqueness of his burial: the first unnoticed almost without ceremony in the foreign cemetery in Paris seething with its own revolution. The remains would probably have crumbled into dust except that an American consular official thought that America might wake up sometime in the future and recall its hero home. The body was placed in a leadened coffin.In 1906 the US emerging as a superpower located the grave now under a Paris street and dis-interned Jones for reburial in the chapel at Annapolis, Md. All the pomp lacking in 1792 was found over 100 years later.

the other reviewer hit the nail right on the head, this movie is full of historical inaccuracies, the house of burgess is in Williamsburg, Virginie, and John Paul Jone's brother lived and is buried in historic downtown fredericksburg, a good two hour drive from Williamsburg. the Virginie love triangle is rather silly. despite the flaws, i've liked this movie ever since i was a little boy and saw it on TNT during one of the fourth of July marathons... maybe i like my heroes a little stiff, but i thought Robert stack did an alright job. although, it would be nice to see the movie remade with a little more historical accuracy, and maybe have Mel Gibson or Russel crowe or a Scottish actor play jpj... he'd sound a little more accurate, i can watch this movie over and over again.