In a way, Preston Sturges script is the reverse of The Best Years of Our Lives, only this might just be the film that laid the groundwork for that classic. While this is done as a comedy all the way, it's script touches the soul of wartime America. Everyone was so committed to the war effort, this one goes over board in showing how the home front honors hero's, even though Woodrow(Eddie Bracken) is no hero. This film is a lot of the casts finest hours on film. Bracken is brilliant in a role which he is not real comfortable in, but does play it so well.
Ella Raines, though in the background for a fair portion of this one, really shines as Libby, Woodrows childhood love. To me, William Demarest (Sgt. Heffelfinger) is at his absolute best in this movie and nearly steals the show. The Sgt. is the key character in this movie.
It is the Sgt. that arranges to get Woodrow, reluctantly, to go home after being rousted out of the Marines on a minor problem ( chronic hay fever) that is why he is not going home. Woodrow is no hero, and working in a factory and drinking at a bar, he buys 6 real Marines (including Sgt.) a round of beer as the real ones have no money. In return, they come up to the bar to thank him, and learn his story. This is the perfect hook for the story to hang on. The comedies have a strong story, and this one is among the best.
With all the unaccredited players and folks from silent films in this, you'd think there would be too much physical slapstick. This Sturges script is too good for that. In fact, after being a farce for quite a while when Woodrow gets back home, this movie suddenly becomes an almost dramatic film. This is a credit to Sturges directing his own script as his direction is the only man who could take an out of control farce and put it back on track.
Comedy and Drama have rarely been mixed better than this film. As the World War 2 generation is fast departing us now, this movie should be a double feature film with The Best Years Of Our Lives. It would be a long double bill, but the contrast between these 2 differently brilliant films would give everybody an idea of the greatest generation. I am so glad I have finally seen this gem.
Ella Raines, though in the background for a fair portion of this one, really shines as Libby, Woodrows childhood love. To me, William Demarest (Sgt. Heffelfinger) is at his absolute best in this movie and nearly steals the show. The Sgt. is the key character in this movie.
It is the Sgt. that arranges to get Woodrow, reluctantly, to go home after being rousted out of the Marines on a minor problem ( chronic hay fever) that is why he is not going home. Woodrow is no hero, and working in a factory and drinking at a bar, he buys 6 real Marines (including Sgt.) a round of beer as the real ones have no money. In return, they come up to the bar to thank him, and learn his story. This is the perfect hook for the story to hang on. The comedies have a strong story, and this one is among the best.
With all the unaccredited players and folks from silent films in this, you'd think there would be too much physical slapstick. This Sturges script is too good for that. In fact, after being a farce for quite a while when Woodrow gets back home, this movie suddenly becomes an almost dramatic film. This is a credit to Sturges directing his own script as his direction is the only man who could take an out of control farce and put it back on track.
Comedy and Drama have rarely been mixed better than this film. As the World War 2 generation is fast departing us now, this movie should be a double feature film with The Best Years Of Our Lives. It would be a long double bill, but the contrast between these 2 differently brilliant films would give everybody an idea of the greatest generation. I am so glad I have finally seen this gem.