Simply A Masterpiece

Masterful Cinema

Admirable film.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

"Hey there, mister! You'd Better Hide Your Sister, 'Cause the Fleet's In!" That is the vivacious opening of a film that captures the spirit of an era fondly remembered by those who lived it. I remember the film specially since it was one of the first I ever saw. I saw it as a teenager when it came out, and enjoyed it greatly. There were laughs, which would sound rather dated now, perhaps, but charmingly innocent. William Holden as an innocent young sailor is a wonderful contrast to the roles he played later. In spite of the impression left by the words of the opening song, the sailors were very polite, and the film is a romance as well as a comedy. The high point for me was an extraordinarily beautiful vocal by Betty Hutton, in a serious vein, of the song: "It's Somebody Else's Moon Above, Not Mine." Dorsey's orchestra is fine, and Helen O'Connell, but Betty Hutton's heartbroken rendering of that moving song steals the show. A winner.

This was one of Paramount's biggest grossers of 1942, and it gave Betty Hutton the chance of a lifetime. She is a powerhouse here with great chemistry with her co-star, Eddie Bracken. They were to go on to greater heights in MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK. It's almost everything the audiences of wartime 1942 wanted: bright and bouncy music done by the top talent of the day, a star, Dorothy Lamour, who never looked better, and a silly escapist plot to lighten one's mood. The only drawback: it was filmed in black-and-white, when it screamed for Technicolor. Still, this is a musical that should be on DVD and NOW! What's not to sell? It has a young William Holden, Dorothy Lsmour, Betty Hutton's dynamics, one of the top Big Bands, Jimmy Dorsey, and the singing talents of Bob Eberle and Helen O'Connell. Priceless nostalgia.

"Hey there, mister, you better watch your sister, 'cause the fleet's in". That song sticks in your mind long after you have seen this little early 40's movie. It may not be to all tastes and was a vehicle for actors that would go on to bigger and better things....William Holden, Betty Huttton, Dorothy Lamour,etc. But it is fun. Some of the supporting players, although popular in their day, don't play as well now...Cass Daley and the irritating Gil Lamb. The music of Jimmy Dorsey and the singing of Bob Eberley and Helen O'Connell make it worth watching if for no other reason. Eddie Bracken is great,as usual and a lot of familiar faces show up...Dave Willock, Robert Warwick and Rod Cameron (before his cowboy roles). If you are a fan of "B" musicals that make you smile and go away humming, then this is for you.

Overall, not much of a movie - the plot is predictable, dialogue is drippy, comedy is corny. The basic premise of the movie is that a sailor (William Holden) has been "tricked" into a bet by his shipmate (Mr. Eddie Bracken - outstanding, as usual). The object or conquest - try to get a "beautiful" but very unapproachable night club singer (Dorothy Lamour) to kiss him while he's in town on a weekend leave. To be perfectly honest, by the time the movie is 90% complete, one doesn't care if he wins the bet or not!! The cast includes so many unknown "featured" acts that, I'm sure, were funny at the time. The only problem is, their particular style of performing doesn't withstand the test of time. And the humor falls flat with a resounding THUD! THE main reason for watching this movie can be summed up with two words - Betty Hutton!!! This was her very first picture for Paramount and, despite being featured only as a "supporting" player, literally walks away with the film. Her boundless energy and all-out frenetic performing style is refreshing and magical!! Her voice is smooth, her comedic wit is sharp, and her genuine love of entertaining is infectious!! (Oh so apparent as she sings "Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing In A Hurry" -WOW!!) In other words, unless you are a "dyed in the wool" Hutton devotee or enjoy watching the comedic sparring of "Betty vs. Bracken" - bypass this movie. A better evening could be spent watching the Dean Martin/Jerry Lewis remake entitled "Sailors Beware" (with a cameo by Betty Hutton).