Is Don't Give Up the Ship Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Don't Give Up the Ship is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Don't Give Up the Ship Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1959, Don't Give Up the Ship enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on The Navy expects a veteran to pay for the ship he commanded, as they have no record of its return. Under the direction of Norman Taurog, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Jerry Lewis, Dina Merrill, Diana Spencer. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Don't Give Up the Ship offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Don't Give Up the Ship is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.3/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Comedy, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Don't Give Up the Ship
- Jerry Lewis – John Paul Steckler I / John Paul Steckler IV / John Paul Steckler VII
- Dina Merrill – Ens. Rita J. Benson
- Diana Spencer – Prudence Trabert Steckler
- Mickey Shaughnessy – Stan Wychinski
- Robert Middleton – Vice Adm. Philo Tecumseh Bludde
Top Highlights
Jerry LewisJohn Paul Steckler I / John Paul Steckler IV / John Paul Steckler VII
Dina MerrillEns. Rita J. Benson
Diana SpencerPrudence Trabert Steckler
Mickey ShaughnessyStan Wychinski
Robert MiddletonVice Adm. Philo Tecumseh Bludde
Gale GordonCongressman Mandeville
Mabel AlbertsonMrs. Trabert
Claude AkinsLt. Cmdr. Farber
Hugh SandersAdm. Rogers
Richard ShannonCmdr. Cross
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Don't Give Up the Ship stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1959 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Don't Give Up the Ship movie hit or flop?
Don't Give Up the Ship has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Don't Give Up the Ship worth watching?
Don't Give Up the Ship is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Don't Give Up the Ship?
Don't Give Up the Ship is a Comedy movie that The Navy expects a veteran to pay for the ship he commanded, as they have no record of its return....
