Besides James Cagney and Pat O'Brien, there's also beautiful Gloria Stuart (63 years before her triumphant return to the screen in Titanic (1997)) as the love interest, and Frank McHugh providing comedy centered around his mother's false teeth. In a fight over a girl with Navy man O'Brien, Cagney is knocked out when his girl distracts him. And when O'Brien later steals his girl, Cagney is so angry he joins the Navy with the hope of getting even. Talk about holding grudges! After 3 months of basic training (shot on location at the Naval Training Station in San Diego, California), Cagney is assigned to the battleship U.S.S. Arizona, the ship O'Brien is on. The Navy allowed location shooting on the actual ship, which is the same one sunk at Pearl Harbor and is now in the harbor as a memorial. It's an impressive ship with unbelievable firepower and we see the big guns being loaded and fired in maneuvers. Meanwhile, Cagney had met and wooed Stuart, but she turned out to be O'Brien's sister! And O'Brien caused a rift, another reason for Cagney to get even with him. Because of a bad attitude problem, Cagney eventually is transferred to the dirigible U.S.S. Macon at Sunnyvale, California. Again, the actual airship is used and it is an awesome sight as it is pulled out of its hangar, dwarfing everything in view. As luck (and the script) would have it, the ship tries to land in windy weather but aborts, with O'Brien hanging on to a mooring line as it gains altitude. Cagney disobeys orders and climbs down the rope with a parachute to try to save the man he doesn't yet know is O'Brien.
29 Reviews
Cagney gets a new screen partner
AlsExGal10 February 2010
With the birth of the production code, the fun pre-code frolics of Cagney and Joan Blondell were at an end. Thus Warner Brothers came up with a new dynamic screen team - James Cagney and Pat O'Brien. This is the first of the films they did together. Prior to the production code, O'Brien often played the same kind of roles that Cagney played - the fast-talking smart guy with big ideas and a big dose of attitude. Since you can't have two of these in the same picture, O'Brien was generally promoted to being the more traditionally respectable of the two in their films together, and such is the case here.
The film starts with construction worker Chesty O'Conner (James Cagney) and naval officer Biff Martin (Pat O'Brien) trading at first verbal barbs and then punches. Chesty gets fired from his job because of the time he takes off recovering from the fight, and decides to go another round with Biff. Unfortunately, Biff's ship has put out to sea, so Chesty thinks the solution is to join the navy and get assigned to Biff's ship. He actually does wind up on Biff's ship, but soon learns he can't take to punching out officers whenever the mood strikes him. To complicate matters, Chesty takes a shine to Biff's sister, Dorothy (Gloria Stuart), and this just inflames matters more as Biff wants his sister to have nothing to do with Chesty. Warner contract player Frank McHugh provides the comic relief as Droopy Mullins, Chesty's stalwart friend and shipmate.
The film works better than most made right after the production code, primarily because the teaming of Cagney and O'Brien worked so well. By turning down the volume a bit on O'Brien's screen sauciness and turning up the volume on Cagney's, the two play off of each other's dynamism perfectly. This film is also interesting for historical reasons - it was filmed on and around the U.S.S. Arizona, one of the ships that sank at Pearl Harbor seven years after this film was made.
The film starts with construction worker Chesty O'Conner (James Cagney) and naval officer Biff Martin (Pat O'Brien) trading at first verbal barbs and then punches. Chesty gets fired from his job because of the time he takes off recovering from the fight, and decides to go another round with Biff. Unfortunately, Biff's ship has put out to sea, so Chesty thinks the solution is to join the navy and get assigned to Biff's ship. He actually does wind up on Biff's ship, but soon learns he can't take to punching out officers whenever the mood strikes him. To complicate matters, Chesty takes a shine to Biff's sister, Dorothy (Gloria Stuart), and this just inflames matters more as Biff wants his sister to have nothing to do with Chesty. Warner contract player Frank McHugh provides the comic relief as Droopy Mullins, Chesty's stalwart friend and shipmate.
The film works better than most made right after the production code, primarily because the teaming of Cagney and O'Brien worked so well. By turning down the volume a bit on O'Brien's screen sauciness and turning up the volume on Cagney's, the two play off of each other's dynamism perfectly. This film is also interesting for historical reasons - it was filmed on and around the U.S.S. Arizona, one of the ships that sank at Pearl Harbor seven years after this film was made.
"Holy smoke, look at the trim lines on that destroyer!"
classicsoncall12 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
For me, it's always cool to come away from a picture with something that was entirely unexpected. In the case of "Here Comes The Navy", I literally did a jump in my seat to see and hear mention of the U.S.S. Arizona, the famed battleship that went down during the infamous Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought our country into World War II. I had only seen this huge ship before in documentary footage covering that historical event, so it was a rare treat to see aspects of daily routine occurring aboard ship during the film's run.
The other treat of course, is catching Jimmy Cagney and Pat O'Brien in the first of their many team-ups for First National/Warner Brothers. You know, I still can't get over the fact that some of their best work together took place over seventy years ago! In this one, the duo is at odds with each other, as Cagney's character Chesty O'Connor, signs up for a stint in the Navy just to get aboard the ship commanded by his nemesis Biff Martin (O'Brien). There's not a whole lot of credibility to the timing and coincidence necessary for that particular circumstance to take place, but that's no problem for the movies. Complicating matters further, wouldn't you know, is that Martin has a sister (Gloria Stuart) that Chesty goes for, so right there you've got the makings for an even more heated rivalry.
Speaking of which, that seemed to be a common plot element in many of the early Warner Brothers flicks of the era. In the 1937 prison movie "San Quentin", inmate Humphrey Bogart had a sister that the warden fell for, thereby giving the impression that Bogey's character was getting preferential treatment. The warden - Pat O'Brien!
You really have to catch one of Cagney's early films to get a sense of where all that enormous talent came from. This picture offers a dance scene, part of the 'Iron Workers' Frolic', that allows Cagney to strut his fancy footwork. I got a kick out of the poster advertising the dance contest; I've never seen one before that promoted 'Big Doings'! Just another one of the visual treats you can appreciate from a picture from the 1930's. Another was catching Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams as the dance floor manager looking almost impossibly young, but in checking, I was shocked to learn that by the time of this movie's release, he had already been in over eighty pictures!!! Learning something new every day.
Anyway, story wise, you won't find anything resembling an Oscar contender here, but you can still have some fun with this first Cagney/O'Brien team up. Character actor Frank McHugh, a frequent Cagney supporter is on hand to lend comic relief. His gimmick has to do with buying his mother a pair of false teeth - and to think, back then you could do it for twenty dollars! Now that's the good old days!
The other treat of course, is catching Jimmy Cagney and Pat O'Brien in the first of their many team-ups for First National/Warner Brothers. You know, I still can't get over the fact that some of their best work together took place over seventy years ago! In this one, the duo is at odds with each other, as Cagney's character Chesty O'Connor, signs up for a stint in the Navy just to get aboard the ship commanded by his nemesis Biff Martin (O'Brien). There's not a whole lot of credibility to the timing and coincidence necessary for that particular circumstance to take place, but that's no problem for the movies. Complicating matters further, wouldn't you know, is that Martin has a sister (Gloria Stuart) that Chesty goes for, so right there you've got the makings for an even more heated rivalry.
Speaking of which, that seemed to be a common plot element in many of the early Warner Brothers flicks of the era. In the 1937 prison movie "San Quentin", inmate Humphrey Bogart had a sister that the warden fell for, thereby giving the impression that Bogey's character was getting preferential treatment. The warden - Pat O'Brien!
You really have to catch one of Cagney's early films to get a sense of where all that enormous talent came from. This picture offers a dance scene, part of the 'Iron Workers' Frolic', that allows Cagney to strut his fancy footwork. I got a kick out of the poster advertising the dance contest; I've never seen one before that promoted 'Big Doings'! Just another one of the visual treats you can appreciate from a picture from the 1930's. Another was catching Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams as the dance floor manager looking almost impossibly young, but in checking, I was shocked to learn that by the time of this movie's release, he had already been in over eighty pictures!!! Learning something new every day.
Anyway, story wise, you won't find anything resembling an Oscar contender here, but you can still have some fun with this first Cagney/O'Brien team up. Character actor Frank McHugh, a frequent Cagney supporter is on hand to lend comic relief. His gimmick has to do with buying his mother a pair of false teeth - and to think, back then you could do it for twenty dollars! Now that's the good old days!
"That's my ship, the Arizona."
robertguttman22 July 2006
"That's my ship, the Arizona", says Pat O'Brien in the very first line of dialogue in this 1934 Warner Brothers feature. Indeed, much of this motion picture was filmed aboard the famous battleship that is now a national monument on the bottom of Pearl Harbor.
Another prominent feature of "Here Comes The Navy" is the USS Macon, the U.S. Navy's last dirigible. If the elderly battleship USS Arizona was a leftover from World War I, the USS Macon represented the cutting edge of technology in 1934, much as the Space Shuttle does today. The giant airship crashed into the Pacific Ocean less than a year after this film was produced, fortunately, with the loss of only two of her 100 crew members. Although the service continued to operate much smaller and less expensive non-rigid blimps for many years, the loss of the USS Macon put an end to the Navy's rigid airship program. There can be little doubt that many of the USS Macon's crewmen seen in this movie were still aboard at the time of the crash.
Of course, the principal feature of "Here Comes The Navy" is the crackling byplay between perennial rival/buddies James Cagney and Pat O'Brien, both of whom were at the top of their form here. As usual, Cagney plays the brash wise-guy while O'Brien is the steady, authority figure bent on channeling Cagney's energy into the right direction. It is a formula they were to repeat in several more movies, most famously in "Angels With Dirty Faces".
Caught between Cagney and O'Brien is Gloria Stewart. This was the same Gloria Stewart who would later be featured in the 1997 version of "Titanic". Stuart did a reasonable job here, even though she was inevitably upstaged by her two dynamic co-stars. But then, Cagney and O'Brien could easily steal scenes from anybody.
"Here Comes The Navy" is a treat for Cagney fans (and there are still plenty of those out there). It is equally a treat for history buffs. Originally intended as a showcase for the contemporary Navy, the movie is now a time capsule of the service in a bygone era.
Another prominent feature of "Here Comes The Navy" is the USS Macon, the U.S. Navy's last dirigible. If the elderly battleship USS Arizona was a leftover from World War I, the USS Macon represented the cutting edge of technology in 1934, much as the Space Shuttle does today. The giant airship crashed into the Pacific Ocean less than a year after this film was produced, fortunately, with the loss of only two of her 100 crew members. Although the service continued to operate much smaller and less expensive non-rigid blimps for many years, the loss of the USS Macon put an end to the Navy's rigid airship program. There can be little doubt that many of the USS Macon's crewmen seen in this movie were still aboard at the time of the crash.
Of course, the principal feature of "Here Comes The Navy" is the crackling byplay between perennial rival/buddies James Cagney and Pat O'Brien, both of whom were at the top of their form here. As usual, Cagney plays the brash wise-guy while O'Brien is the steady, authority figure bent on channeling Cagney's energy into the right direction. It is a formula they were to repeat in several more movies, most famously in "Angels With Dirty Faces".
Caught between Cagney and O'Brien is Gloria Stewart. This was the same Gloria Stewart who would later be featured in the 1997 version of "Titanic". Stuart did a reasonable job here, even though she was inevitably upstaged by her two dynamic co-stars. But then, Cagney and O'Brien could easily steal scenes from anybody.
"Here Comes The Navy" is a treat for Cagney fans (and there are still plenty of those out there). It is equally a treat for history buffs. Originally intended as a showcase for the contemporary Navy, the movie is now a time capsule of the service in a bygone era.
"Dames is out of my life. From now on every frail is just gonna be a straw ride."
utgard1419 July 2014
Metal worker James Cagney is humiliated by naval officer Pat O'Brien. So he joins the Navy to get even with him. Naturally. Then he falls in love with Pat's sister, only he doesn't know it's Pat's sister. Their romance may be short-lived, however, because Jimmy and Pat can't stand one another.
Cagney and O'Brien made a lot of these types of movies. This was the first and one of the best. Usually Jimmy's the cocky jerk and Pat's the nice guy. That's sort of the case here, too, but I actually found myself liking Cagney more than O'Brien. He's fun and likable, even if he's not always right. Pat, on the other hand, is a sour puss throughout the movie. Gloria Stuart plays O'Brien's sister who Cagney falls in love with. She's very pretty and does a fine job in a part that requires very little. Historically important for being partially filmed on board the USS Arizona, which was destroyed at Pearl Harbor seven years later. Also some footage of the dirigible USS Macon, which crashed the year after this film was released. It's a fun movie that fans of the stars will certainly enjoy. The climax is implausible but exciting. There is a blackface gag that will set some today back on their heels, so be prepared for that.
Cagney and O'Brien made a lot of these types of movies. This was the first and one of the best. Usually Jimmy's the cocky jerk and Pat's the nice guy. That's sort of the case here, too, but I actually found myself liking Cagney more than O'Brien. He's fun and likable, even if he's not always right. Pat, on the other hand, is a sour puss throughout the movie. Gloria Stuart plays O'Brien's sister who Cagney falls in love with. She's very pretty and does a fine job in a part that requires very little. Historically important for being partially filmed on board the USS Arizona, which was destroyed at Pearl Harbor seven years later. Also some footage of the dirigible USS Macon, which crashed the year after this film was released. It's a fun movie that fans of the stars will certainly enjoy. The climax is implausible but exciting. There is a blackface gag that will set some today back on their heels, so be prepared for that.
Here Comes Cagney
boblipton5 February 2020
Jimmy Cagney is a high metal man who gets into a brawl with Naval Petty Officer Pat O'Brien. In pursuit of his grudge, Cagney joins the Navy, where he is a self-centered guy, but makes friends with Frank McHugh. He also charms Gloria Stuart, who tries to civilize him. She turns out to be O'Brien's sister.
In other words, same old same old when it comes to plot, just the sort of movie that William Haines started in for Metro in the 1920s; Cagney is a low-class guy, although just as cocky as Haines ever was. He's in high-energy mode here, and Naval cooperation gives this one some documentary interest. Cagney, O'Brien and McHugh are assigned to the USS Arizona, and there's ample footage of that ship, now under the waves at Pearl Harbor. Later, Cagney is assigned to the USS Macon, one of the two largest dirigibles commissioned by the Navy. The year after this movie was made, the airship crashed into the Pacific, with the loss of two men.
Although this is pretty much a standard movie, its production values are first-rate, and alloys Bacon gets good performances out of his actors. Arthur Edeson's cinematography and his views of the Macon and her hangar are lovely.
In other words, same old same old when it comes to plot, just the sort of movie that William Haines started in for Metro in the 1920s; Cagney is a low-class guy, although just as cocky as Haines ever was. He's in high-energy mode here, and Naval cooperation gives this one some documentary interest. Cagney, O'Brien and McHugh are assigned to the USS Arizona, and there's ample footage of that ship, now under the waves at Pearl Harbor. Later, Cagney is assigned to the USS Macon, one of the two largest dirigibles commissioned by the Navy. The year after this movie was made, the airship crashed into the Pacific, with the loss of two men.
Although this is pretty much a standard movie, its production values are first-rate, and alloys Bacon gets good performances out of his actors. Arthur Edeson's cinematography and his views of the Macon and her hangar are lovely.
Joining the Navy Out of Spite
evanston_dad14 May 2020
In one of the most implausible scenarios ever concocted for a motion picture, James Cagney joins the navy just so that he can have an opportunity to get back at an officer (Pat O'Brien) who beat him in a street fight. Things get complicated (as such things do) when Cagney finds out the girl he has the hots for is O'Brien's sister. Predictably, he and O'Brien form a sort of prickly friendship over the course of the film, which culminates in Cagney saving O'Brien's life as he's dangling from a blimp (don't ask).
What a goofball movie this is. There's nothing very memorable about it, but it's also completely entertaining. Cagney is a force to be reckoned with in any movie, and he sells it here just as he sold any number of otherwise disposable films over the course of his career. In a bit of a head scratcher, the Academy decided to nominate this movie for Best Picture in 1934. Though they also nominated 12 movies for the big prize that year, so it's not like they were super selective.
Grade: B+
What a goofball movie this is. There's nothing very memorable about it, but it's also completely entertaining. Cagney is a force to be reckoned with in any movie, and he sells it here just as he sold any number of otherwise disposable films over the course of his career. In a bit of a head scratcher, the Academy decided to nominate this movie for Best Picture in 1934. Though they also nominated 12 movies for the big prize that year, so it's not like they were super selective.
Grade: B+
Join The Navy
sambase-387734 April 2023
I'm assuming that this was kind of a recruiting movie for the Navy. It's interesting because this movie also allows James Cagney to basically spit on the medals he's given for his heroics. I was very surprised by that. Cagney was brave and heroic in this movie (when he wasn't being a hot-headed jerk), but he saw medals as a sham. His attitude was basically: hey I'm the same jerk nobody cared about before so why do you want to pin medals on me now? It speaks to the eternal bitterness of the character, something Cagney was a master at portraying.
No real plot here. Cagney loses a fistfight to a navy sailor at a dance and he wants revenge. He wants revenge so bad he joins the Navy! I think there's a speck of logic in there somewhere, but not much. But it's all in fun because the movie is mostly a comedy with some serious moments thrown in just for good measure.
There's an added complication that Cagney is attracted to the sister of his Navy rival and the three of them are the main triad of the movie.
And we also have the Navy. That's right, the real thing. Real ships. The USS Arizona, in fact. And that's pretty amazing.
If you like Cagney. If you like the Navy. If you like triads of two men and one woman. And you like comedies. Then you'll like this movie. I enjoyed it. I've seen it twice. It's good fun.
No real plot here. Cagney loses a fistfight to a navy sailor at a dance and he wants revenge. He wants revenge so bad he joins the Navy! I think there's a speck of logic in there somewhere, but not much. But it's all in fun because the movie is mostly a comedy with some serious moments thrown in just for good measure.
There's an added complication that Cagney is attracted to the sister of his Navy rival and the three of them are the main triad of the movie.
And we also have the Navy. That's right, the real thing. Real ships. The USS Arizona, in fact. And that's pretty amazing.
If you like Cagney. If you like the Navy. If you like triads of two men and one woman. And you like comedies. Then you'll like this movie. I enjoyed it. I've seen it twice. It's good fun.
hmmmmmmmmm
windtar26 November 2008
im a big fan of cagney and i enjoy o'briens work also.
that being said, and it seems i will be the first reviewer to think this film was nothing special. i say this for future people who come to IMDb for a quick overview to see if i want to watch over something else like i do.
granted its a very early film, with good actors and a a few good supporting actors, but that being said, my opinions are based on the acting and script writing parts.
yes cagneys known for the little tough guy, but his character went far beyond tough guy to obnoxious and kinda mean.
cagney in this early movie is not the 'loveable' tough guy he's known for. he is quite annoying and deserves every punch and punishment he gets.
o'brien on the other hand did a great job acting as the fair and respected character.
cagney in blackface is kind of funny posing as a black man, funnier yet is his buddy yelling = way to go chesty = as he is escaping on a turned down leave.
until i read the others reviews, i didn't know the 2 ships used were destroyed in pearl harbor. that i agree is a very historical memory the film offers.
it's worth a watch, but is no highlight of anyones career.
i have to admit i was kinda disappointed in this movie because i am a fan of old cinema, but sadly i just think cagney character wasn't likable, and the movie tried to portray him as such.
that being said, and it seems i will be the first reviewer to think this film was nothing special. i say this for future people who come to IMDb for a quick overview to see if i want to watch over something else like i do.
granted its a very early film, with good actors and a a few good supporting actors, but that being said, my opinions are based on the acting and script writing parts.
yes cagneys known for the little tough guy, but his character went far beyond tough guy to obnoxious and kinda mean.
cagney in this early movie is not the 'loveable' tough guy he's known for. he is quite annoying and deserves every punch and punishment he gets.
o'brien on the other hand did a great job acting as the fair and respected character.
cagney in blackface is kind of funny posing as a black man, funnier yet is his buddy yelling = way to go chesty = as he is escaping on a turned down leave.
until i read the others reviews, i didn't know the 2 ships used were destroyed in pearl harbor. that i agree is a very historical memory the film offers.
it's worth a watch, but is no highlight of anyones career.
i have to admit i was kinda disappointed in this movie because i am a fan of old cinema, but sadly i just think cagney character wasn't likable, and the movie tried to portray him as such.
fun Cagney flick
SnoopyStyle5 April 2023
Mouthy riveter Chesty O'Conner (James Cagney) has a running feud with Navy Chief Petty Officer Biff Martin (Pat O'Brien). Chesty gets knocked out in a fight and Biff gets the girl. Chesty joins the Navy to get even with Biff.
The basic premise doesn't really make much sense. Why would he join the Navy to be a lower rank to Biff? He wouldn't do it unless he's drunk. If one ignores that, this is a fun Cagney flick. Cagney is being his little big man character. Pat O'Brien is a good opposite. Frank McHugh is a solid clueless sidekick. This comedy actually got a nomination for the Best Picture Oscar.
The basic premise doesn't really make much sense. Why would he join the Navy to be a lower rank to Biff? He wouldn't do it unless he's drunk. If one ignores that, this is a fun Cagney flick. Cagney is being his little big man character. Pat O'Brien is a good opposite. Frank McHugh is a solid clueless sidekick. This comedy actually got a nomination for the Best Picture Oscar.
Childish
view_and_review25 April 2024
If you want to see two men behave like children half the movie, then you'll love "Here Comes the Navy." The two adult babies were Chester 'Chesty' O'Connor aka C. J. O'Connor (James Cagney) and Biff Martin (Pat O'Brien). James Cagney was the hotter of the two hotheads which is familiar territory for him.
Chesty started off as an iron worker doing a job for the Navy. For some testosterone-laden reason he got into an argument with Biff Martin, an officer in the Navy. They coincidentally came into contact with each other later at a dance hall. Biff muscled in on Chesty's girl and they took the matter outside where they duked it out. Biff won the fight and Chesty lost his girl and his pride. He was so furious he decided to join the Navy just to get back at Biff.
Who makes a four year military commitment just to get back at somebody?
After ninety days of basic training he was fortuitously assigned to the U. S. S. Arizona in San Diego, the very same ship Biff was on. Chesty thought he was going to beat him up on the ship, but found out that Biff was an officer and a Navy battleship was no place to settle petty beefs.
He saw a real chance to stick it to him when he saw Biff with a pretty woman. Biff had taken his girl, now it was his turn to take Biff's girl. The girl, Dorothy Martin (Gloria Stuart), was none other than Biff's sister. That certainly caused some bad blood.
I couldn't get into this childish movie. Chesty was such a hotheaded imbecile it's a wonder how he was walking around free, and it was a wonder how Dorothy was attracted to him to begin with. I like James Cagney, but this role wasn't one of his better ones. Besides Cagney, O'Brien, and the untalented Gloria Stuart, Frank McHugh was in the movie for more comedy.
"Here Comes the Navy" looks like it was done just to give a shout out to the Navy. I don't think they got any more recruits because of it.
Free on Odnoklassniki.
Chesty started off as an iron worker doing a job for the Navy. For some testosterone-laden reason he got into an argument with Biff Martin, an officer in the Navy. They coincidentally came into contact with each other later at a dance hall. Biff muscled in on Chesty's girl and they took the matter outside where they duked it out. Biff won the fight and Chesty lost his girl and his pride. He was so furious he decided to join the Navy just to get back at Biff.
Who makes a four year military commitment just to get back at somebody?
After ninety days of basic training he was fortuitously assigned to the U. S. S. Arizona in San Diego, the very same ship Biff was on. Chesty thought he was going to beat him up on the ship, but found out that Biff was an officer and a Navy battleship was no place to settle petty beefs.
He saw a real chance to stick it to him when he saw Biff with a pretty woman. Biff had taken his girl, now it was his turn to take Biff's girl. The girl, Dorothy Martin (Gloria Stuart), was none other than Biff's sister. That certainly caused some bad blood.
I couldn't get into this childish movie. Chesty was such a hotheaded imbecile it's a wonder how he was walking around free, and it was a wonder how Dorothy was attracted to him to begin with. I like James Cagney, but this role wasn't one of his better ones. Besides Cagney, O'Brien, and the untalented Gloria Stuart, Frank McHugh was in the movie for more comedy.
"Here Comes the Navy" looks like it was done just to give a shout out to the Navy. I don't think they got any more recruits because of it.
Free on Odnoklassniki.
an absolute must for historians
planktonrules22 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This review is so glowing because this film is one of the most important films, historically speaking, I have ever seen. While it is yet another Jimmy Cagney film in many ways, it shocked me when I saw that the film was set aboard the USS Arizona--the famous ship that was completely destroyed with most of its crew at Pearl Harbor just a few years later. Seeing Cagney and crew walking about this doomed ship is a rare opportunity to see the ship that still rests at the bottom of Pearl.
Later, to my utter amazement, the USS Macon (one of the US Navy's dirigibles) makes an appearance as well! This huge airship was to be destroyed in a storm only a year later, and once again the real ship was used in parts of the film. This is once again an amazing opportunity to see the ship.
So, combining the two rare opportunities with a pretty decent Cagney film gives you a film well-worth seeing. For those who don't care about the historical aspects of the film, I give it a 7--it's still pretty good and worth a look.
Later, to my utter amazement, the USS Macon (one of the US Navy's dirigibles) makes an appearance as well! This huge airship was to be destroyed in a storm only a year later, and once again the real ship was used in parts of the film. This is once again an amazing opportunity to see the ship.
So, combining the two rare opportunities with a pretty decent Cagney film gives you a film well-worth seeing. For those who don't care about the historical aspects of the film, I give it a 7--it's still pretty good and worth a look.
Warning! Black Face Scene
lmirish1 January 2021
The Debut of the Buddy Film
bkoganbing17 July 2006
Here Comes the Navy is a key film in the history of cinema. As it marks the first teaming of James Cagney and Pat O'Brien, that in itself is historic. For these two in my humble opinion are the inventors of the male buddy film. The only other rivals for that distinction are Edmund Lowe and Victor McLaglen when they did a series of films as Captain Flagg and Sergeant Quirt. Cagney and O'Brien were teamed for seven years by Warner Brothers in various parts.
This also is James Cagney's first film in any of our Armed Services. He's the usual fresh mouthed Cagney who as a civilian runs afoul of CPO Pat O'Brien over a woman played by Dorothy Tree. Then Cagney joins the Navy and there's O'Brien waiting for him. And O'Brien has a sister, Gloria Stuart who Cagney falls for.
But of course when Warner Brothers had the good idea of shooting this movie at the San Diego Naval Station, they had no idea that they would be shooting on what became a national shrine. In fact it's mentioned several times that both O'Brien and Cagney are assigned to the battleship, U.S.S. Arizona. Shortly after this film was made the Arizona and the rest of the Pacific Fleet moved to Honolulu and on December 7, 1941 the Arizona became a part of history. A whole lot of the crew of the Arizona served as extras in Here Comes the Navy, so a lot of the faces you see are probably at the bottom of Pearl Harbor in the Arizona.
Knowing that I find it incredible that Here Comes the Navy has never made it to VHS or DVD. Hopefully that will be rectified soon.
This also is James Cagney's first film in any of our Armed Services. He's the usual fresh mouthed Cagney who as a civilian runs afoul of CPO Pat O'Brien over a woman played by Dorothy Tree. Then Cagney joins the Navy and there's O'Brien waiting for him. And O'Brien has a sister, Gloria Stuart who Cagney falls for.
But of course when Warner Brothers had the good idea of shooting this movie at the San Diego Naval Station, they had no idea that they would be shooting on what became a national shrine. In fact it's mentioned several times that both O'Brien and Cagney are assigned to the battleship, U.S.S. Arizona. Shortly after this film was made the Arizona and the rest of the Pacific Fleet moved to Honolulu and on December 7, 1941 the Arizona became a part of history. A whole lot of the crew of the Arizona served as extras in Here Comes the Navy, so a lot of the faces you see are probably at the bottom of Pearl Harbor in the Arizona.
Knowing that I find it incredible that Here Comes the Navy has never made it to VHS or DVD. Hopefully that will be rectified soon.
A Priceless & Poignant Historical Document
sbchelldiver19 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This film is an unintended historical document.It shows the daily and very ordinary goings-on aboard a typical battle wagon in the 1930's.Only that, because U.S.S. Arizona was at the moment available for filming,now we can see this as a poignant reminder of a great ship & its gallant crew,some of which would still call her home on Dec 7 1941.Note Also that much of the action on board centers round the vicinity of turret 1,where the big explosion would happen,and which remains to this day the only complete remaining turret aboard ship.Also to watch all the pomp used then,frock coats fore&aft hats&all,leggings in boot camp,full uniform for maneuvering dirigibles(a rigid ship,e/o aboard in full uniform,no jumpsuits mind u,dates the way it was)U.S.S. Macon on Moffet, then on Mines Field(Angelenos dig it up well;that prairie is now LAX!)But a/a BB39.I,m from Ponce in PUR,& in 1931 she visited us bringing Herbert Hoover with her. So for this and the other reasons,and many more,I consider this a priceless historical document.What do YOU think? Carlos Aneiro
Very good. A MUST for Cagney & O'Brien fans, and with a great running gag.
Night Must Fall24 July 2002
Warning: Spoilers
(spoilers) Leatherpuss. Stupid. Hot-head. These are but a few of the many insults traded by Jim Cagney (as Seaman 2nd Class Chester `Chesty' O'Connor) and Pat O'Brien (as Chief Petty Officer Biff Martin) both on and off the U.S.S. Arizona.
The film follows their tumultuous association as civilians (before ironworker Cagney joins the navy) and then as military colleagues thrust upon each other on a peacetime vessel.
James Cagney looks great in a tux, and gets to dance a little before the real fun starts. The ironworkers have thrown themselves a dance, and first prize is a big silver cup. Chesty's pristine, crisp rented tuxedo doesn't last very long, as Gladys Hawkins, his girlfriend, literally waltzes off with Biff Martin. Chesty doesn't take kindly to this, and the two men, who have previously locked horns (Cagney and the ironmen antagonize the passing sailors by shouting conflicting commands at them), come to blows. O'Brien wins the fight, and the dance crowd simply walks over the prostrate form of poor Chesty, who can only lie there in a heap. To add insult to injury, O'Brien and Gladys win the 1st prize for the waltz contest! The following day, things get even worse, as Chesty is laid off from his job and Gladys dumps him, preferring Biff's company.
Vowing revenge, Chesty decides to join the navy to get even with Biff. First stop is the San Diego naval training station, where Frank McHugh (always top-notch, and extremely funny in this movie) as Wilbur `Droopy' Mullins enters the picture. He and Chesty become fast friends who cover for each other and who borrow money back and forth so fast all throughout the film, forget trying to keep up. Droopy's reason d'etre seems to be to try to send his poor mom enough money for her to buy a decent pair of false teeth, ones that will enable her to keep up with her job as choir singer AND allow her to eat meat. This is a VERY funny running gag, with an excellent pay-off at the end of the film.
After training, Chesty and Droopy are assigned to Biff's ship, the U.S.S. Arizona, as hoped. The moment Chesty claps eyes on Biff, he attempts to punch him. Needless to say, this is not encouraged, and his efforts are immediately curtailed. Biff then decides to make naval life very difficult for his nemesis.
While Chesty has supposedly given up on `dames' because of his experience with Gladys, enter Dot, Biff's sister (played well by Gloria Stuart). Of course, Chesty is unaware that she's also a Martin, and chases her until he wrangles a dinner invitation out of her. On liberty for the evening of the dinner, Biff pays a visit to Dot, and in seconds, the boys are at it again.
After a series of misadventures, Chesty actually escapes duty by bribery and sneaking off the ship in disguise (to see Dot), and is admonished by Biff, who reports him as AWOL. Chesty is a prisoner and cannot leave the ship. He degrades the other sailors, who avoid him at all costs. He and Dot also split, in a dramatic, well-played scene, in which they are both terribly disillusioned. Later Chesty proves his courage during a mock battle, but he denounces the officers, the medal he receives, and the navy as a whole. He is then granted a transfer to a naval aircraft (a zeppelin). The crew of the Arizona must then act as ground crew for a mock maneuver Chesty's aircraft is involved in, Biff gets in trouble, and Chesty ends up saving the day and getting the girl. Droopy's infamous mom is finally seen at the end of the film, and we even get a glimpse of her new false teeth!
Very entertaining and lots of fun, with all the stars in top form. Cagney and O'Brien argue and fight all through the film in some great comic scenes yet they were best friends in real life!
Recommended!!!
The film follows their tumultuous association as civilians (before ironworker Cagney joins the navy) and then as military colleagues thrust upon each other on a peacetime vessel.
James Cagney looks great in a tux, and gets to dance a little before the real fun starts. The ironworkers have thrown themselves a dance, and first prize is a big silver cup. Chesty's pristine, crisp rented tuxedo doesn't last very long, as Gladys Hawkins, his girlfriend, literally waltzes off with Biff Martin. Chesty doesn't take kindly to this, and the two men, who have previously locked horns (Cagney and the ironmen antagonize the passing sailors by shouting conflicting commands at them), come to blows. O'Brien wins the fight, and the dance crowd simply walks over the prostrate form of poor Chesty, who can only lie there in a heap. To add insult to injury, O'Brien and Gladys win the 1st prize for the waltz contest! The following day, things get even worse, as Chesty is laid off from his job and Gladys dumps him, preferring Biff's company.
Vowing revenge, Chesty decides to join the navy to get even with Biff. First stop is the San Diego naval training station, where Frank McHugh (always top-notch, and extremely funny in this movie) as Wilbur `Droopy' Mullins enters the picture. He and Chesty become fast friends who cover for each other and who borrow money back and forth so fast all throughout the film, forget trying to keep up. Droopy's reason d'etre seems to be to try to send his poor mom enough money for her to buy a decent pair of false teeth, ones that will enable her to keep up with her job as choir singer AND allow her to eat meat. This is a VERY funny running gag, with an excellent pay-off at the end of the film.
After training, Chesty and Droopy are assigned to Biff's ship, the U.S.S. Arizona, as hoped. The moment Chesty claps eyes on Biff, he attempts to punch him. Needless to say, this is not encouraged, and his efforts are immediately curtailed. Biff then decides to make naval life very difficult for his nemesis.
While Chesty has supposedly given up on `dames' because of his experience with Gladys, enter Dot, Biff's sister (played well by Gloria Stuart). Of course, Chesty is unaware that she's also a Martin, and chases her until he wrangles a dinner invitation out of her. On liberty for the evening of the dinner, Biff pays a visit to Dot, and in seconds, the boys are at it again.
After a series of misadventures, Chesty actually escapes duty by bribery and sneaking off the ship in disguise (to see Dot), and is admonished by Biff, who reports him as AWOL. Chesty is a prisoner and cannot leave the ship. He degrades the other sailors, who avoid him at all costs. He and Dot also split, in a dramatic, well-played scene, in which they are both terribly disillusioned. Later Chesty proves his courage during a mock battle, but he denounces the officers, the medal he receives, and the navy as a whole. He is then granted a transfer to a naval aircraft (a zeppelin). The crew of the Arizona must then act as ground crew for a mock maneuver Chesty's aircraft is involved in, Biff gets in trouble, and Chesty ends up saving the day and getting the girl. Droopy's infamous mom is finally seen at the end of the film, and we even get a glimpse of her new false teeth!
Very entertaining and lots of fun, with all the stars in top form. Cagney and O'Brien argue and fight all through the film in some great comic scenes yet they were best friends in real life!
Recommended!!!
Decent Cagni film
qsilver-214 December 2008
About half way through the movie you see the U S Pacific fleet (San Diego based at the time in 1934)on Sea Maneuvers out by Santa Catalina Island, California. This is the only motion picture footage of the "Arizona" firing her 14 inch live rounds (She is the first of several Battleships firing from left to right). Footage was taken by the U S S "Macon", Navy Airship at the time. The airship was caught in a storm about a year later very close to where they were filming and fell from the sky. About 250 of the sailors who were aboard the "Arizona" at the time of the film were also on deck December 7, 1941 when the Empire of Japan attacked the ship inside Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Notice the sleeping quarters (hammocks) for the sailors at that time.
Decent Cagney
Michael_Elliott25 February 2008
Here Comes the Navy (1934)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Standard action from Warner about a cocky loudmouth (James Cagney) who joins the Navy so that he can get even with a Captain (Pat O'Brien) but Cagney ends up falling in love with his sister (Gloria Stuart). This film starts off with a great bang but as the movie goes along things become quite predictable and rather flat. The first part of the movie is great with a lot of fighting and insults being thrown by Cagney. Needless to say Cagney is very energetic and delivers another fine performance. His relationship with Stuart is also handled very well as the two actors have a lot of chemistry together. O'Brien is in good form as well and he and Cagney do their magic unlike any other duo. The biggest problem comes in the middle where the story pretty much gets weighted down by the familiar bit where the cocky Cagney must learn what it means to be a normal human being and shut his mouth up before it gets him in real trouble. The action scene at the end is very nice as is the funny ending. The most shocking scene comes when Cagney sneaks off the boat in blackface.
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Standard action from Warner about a cocky loudmouth (James Cagney) who joins the Navy so that he can get even with a Captain (Pat O'Brien) but Cagney ends up falling in love with his sister (Gloria Stuart). This film starts off with a great bang but as the movie goes along things become quite predictable and rather flat. The first part of the movie is great with a lot of fighting and insults being thrown by Cagney. Needless to say Cagney is very energetic and delivers another fine performance. His relationship with Stuart is also handled very well as the two actors have a lot of chemistry together. O'Brien is in good form as well and he and Cagney do their magic unlike any other duo. The biggest problem comes in the middle where the story pretty much gets weighted down by the familiar bit where the cocky Cagney must learn what it means to be a normal human being and shut his mouth up before it gets him in real trouble. The action scene at the end is very nice as is the funny ending. The most shocking scene comes when Cagney sneaks off the boat in blackface.
All Aboard
jonerogers24 November 2018
This is an excellent film for many reasons and a must see film from the classics.
It's the first time James Cagney and Pat O'Brian star together in what would see 7 more such collaborations on screen and a long term friendship lasting their life time. They work so incredibly well together both seriously and comically as they do in this print.
It's virtually shot all on the USS Arizona a real U.S. navel ship which sadly was just a few years later totally destroyed in the bombing raid on Pearl Harbour. It's the story of romance and quirky laughs of Cagney and O'Brian is trying to break that up as it's his sister Cagney wants. Let's not forget that other great sidekick OF Cagney's Mr Frank McHugh and a laugh a minute from the two.
It's all harmless fun and frolicks in this film and the three main actors work well together. Cagney is as always that fun guy with his cheek and giggles.
Overall a great backdrop, fun, laughter and a plausible story line
It's the first time James Cagney and Pat O'Brian star together in what would see 7 more such collaborations on screen and a long term friendship lasting their life time. They work so incredibly well together both seriously and comically as they do in this print.
It's virtually shot all on the USS Arizona a real U.S. navel ship which sadly was just a few years later totally destroyed in the bombing raid on Pearl Harbour. It's the story of romance and quirky laughs of Cagney and O'Brian is trying to break that up as it's his sister Cagney wants. Let's not forget that other great sidekick OF Cagney's Mr Frank McHugh and a laugh a minute from the two.
It's all harmless fun and frolicks in this film and the three main actors work well together. Cagney is as always that fun guy with his cheek and giggles.
Overall a great backdrop, fun, laughter and a plausible story line
On board the U.S.S. Arizona, while she floated.
mkilmer15 August 2008
Cagney was great as a stubborn smart aleck, and that is what the James Cagney had a great manner of getting the girl, whether it be Bette Davis in THE BRIDE CAME C.O.D. (1941) or Gloria Stuart in HERE COMES THE NAVY (1934).
In HERE COMES THE NAVY, Chesty O'Conner (Cagney) joins the navy simply to have a shot at a rematch brawl with naval officer Biff Martin (Pat O'Brien). On board, he wants to take O'Brien's girl who turns out to be his sister (Stuart). He befriends Droopy Mullins, a sidekick type splendidly played by Frank McHugh.
This was a delightful film, a must for fans of Cagney's humor. And for navy buffs who like to note the service between the world wars, as the Department of the Navy is cited as cooperating in this film.
Oh, and my wife reminds me to point out that there is a blimp in this picture. It is dated to that extent, but its themes and comedy are always applicable. (The blackface scene being the notable exception, but as such attitudes were very present in yesterday's Hollywood, we must bit our lips and let them pass. In this film, the actual African American characters look at Cagney in blackface as if he were goofy. They, too, let it pass.)
In HERE COMES THE NAVY, Chesty O'Conner (Cagney) joins the navy simply to have a shot at a rematch brawl with naval officer Biff Martin (Pat O'Brien). On board, he wants to take O'Brien's girl who turns out to be his sister (Stuart). He befriends Droopy Mullins, a sidekick type splendidly played by Frank McHugh.
This was a delightful film, a must for fans of Cagney's humor. And for navy buffs who like to note the service between the world wars, as the Department of the Navy is cited as cooperating in this film.
Oh, and my wife reminds me to point out that there is a blimp in this picture. It is dated to that extent, but its themes and comedy are always applicable. (The blackface scene being the notable exception, but as such attitudes were very present in yesterday's Hollywood, we must bit our lips and let them pass. In this film, the actual African American characters look at Cagney in blackface as if he were goofy. They, too, let it pass.)
Avast That Pelican Hook!
rmax3048234 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This is more fun than you might expect. Not the romance, which is dull and familiar. A swabbie (Cagney) falls for the daughter of a Chief Boatswain's Mate (O'Brien) and the two guys hate each other. They always seem to be stationed together. And Cagney's character is equally familiar -- the tough, selfish cynic who joins the Navy on a dare and finds himself stuck. He proves himself a hero, of course, as all these characters do, as Cagney himself was to do a few years later in "The Fighting 69th." That's all boring. What's fun and interesting are the locations. Usually a story like this is shot on relatively cheap cardboard sets with some inserted footage of Navy ships. See "Follow the Fleet", inter alia, for an example.
Here, though, as other commentators have pointed out, the shooting was done on the decks of the real USS Arizona and there is considerable footage of the dirigible Macon, which was housed at Moffet Field near Palo Alto, California. The monstrous hangars are still there.
The first time Cagney demonstrates his altruism is while the Arizona is on fleet maneuvers off San Diego. It's genuine heroism too. A powder bag leaks and a fire threatens the entire turret. Cagney throws himself on the burning powder to smother it. There was a similar explosion in the turret of the battleship USS Iowa in 1989 that damaged much of the turret and killed 47 crewmen. (The Navy blamed it on a homosexual spat.) I may be biased because I was on a ship that took part in fleet maneuvers off San Diego too. I was a lowly lookout with no real responsibility and enjoyed every minute of watching guns go off in the sunshine. My ship, the Coast Guard Cutter Gresham, was supposed to track a submarine on sonar but couldn't find the submarine in the first place so the exercise was a flop. I won't bother to describe the farce that followed the announcement of "Air action, port!"
Where was I? I wish someone would discretely flap a napkin at me when I got off topic like that. I'd do as much for you. Anyway, the second time Cagney indulges in heroics is a charm. He gets the girl, saves O'Brien, and wins another medal, I guess.
Cagney is his usual bouncy self, sneering and ready to bop everybody on the schnozz. O'Brien is reliable and unexciting. Gloria Stuart, who passed on recently, is less than inspiring. Frank McHugh lends solid support. I could hardly believe it when I saw Bill Elliot as a Navy officer. Ten years later he would make a series of cheap Westerns and serials as "Wild Bill Elliot," one of my faves when I was a kid.
At any rate, and for whatever reason, I expected to be rather more bored than I was. Nice crisp photography.
Here, though, as other commentators have pointed out, the shooting was done on the decks of the real USS Arizona and there is considerable footage of the dirigible Macon, which was housed at Moffet Field near Palo Alto, California. The monstrous hangars are still there.
The first time Cagney demonstrates his altruism is while the Arizona is on fleet maneuvers off San Diego. It's genuine heroism too. A powder bag leaks and a fire threatens the entire turret. Cagney throws himself on the burning powder to smother it. There was a similar explosion in the turret of the battleship USS Iowa in 1989 that damaged much of the turret and killed 47 crewmen. (The Navy blamed it on a homosexual spat.) I may be biased because I was on a ship that took part in fleet maneuvers off San Diego too. I was a lowly lookout with no real responsibility and enjoyed every minute of watching guns go off in the sunshine. My ship, the Coast Guard Cutter Gresham, was supposed to track a submarine on sonar but couldn't find the submarine in the first place so the exercise was a flop. I won't bother to describe the farce that followed the announcement of "Air action, port!"
Where was I? I wish someone would discretely flap a napkin at me when I got off topic like that. I'd do as much for you. Anyway, the second time Cagney indulges in heroics is a charm. He gets the girl, saves O'Brien, and wins another medal, I guess.
Cagney is his usual bouncy self, sneering and ready to bop everybody on the schnozz. O'Brien is reliable and unexciting. Gloria Stuart, who passed on recently, is less than inspiring. Frank McHugh lends solid support. I could hardly believe it when I saw Bill Elliot as a Navy officer. Ten years later he would make a series of cheap Westerns and serials as "Wild Bill Elliot," one of my faves when I was a kid.
At any rate, and for whatever reason, I expected to be rather more bored than I was. Nice crisp photography.
Forget the review...but....
richardv8826 March 2014
The only existing (to my knowledge) motion pictures of the USS Arizona BEFORE December 7, 1941. For that alone, this movie rates 15 stars. Cagney and O'Brien aren't bad either...but I was fascinated by the ship and the crew, man of whom lost their lives (and are still aboard)several years later. I do have a DVD of this movie (B&W of course) and I treasure it greatly. I wish this was widely available to modelers who now have an opportunity to make a replica of the Arizona in the large 1/200 scale! (also 1/526, 1/700, 1/350). The details of armament, decks, structure, hull, etc. are an extraordinary opportunity for research.
What an incredible opportunity to see this piece of history!
What an incredible opportunity to see this piece of history!
here comes the navy and here comes fun
froberts737 February 2011
First of all, tell Mr. Guttman to spell Ms. Stuart's name correctly. At any rate, she was around the water in "Here Comes the Navy" and in it in "Titanic."
But the Navy pic is fun thanks mostly to part of WB's team of Irishers. Cagney, O'Brien, McHugh all provided plenty of enjoyment in that decade.
As has been pointed out, "Here Comes the Navy" is fascinating history. You get a chill when you realize the Arizona was the ship sunk at Pearl Harbor, and when you realize that the Macon was a history maker.
The (all white) Navy was very well represented in this flick, but its raison d'etre for it was just what the moviegoers of that time expected - sharp, crackling dialog between Cagney and O'Brien. It is Cagney's pic. No one can upstage that ball of fire.
So, if you want to have fun, enjoy some nostalgia, get involved with some history, get your paws on "Here Comes the Navy."
I'm an old Army man but, anchors aweigh. A couple tons, I imagine.
But the Navy pic is fun thanks mostly to part of WB's team of Irishers. Cagney, O'Brien, McHugh all provided plenty of enjoyment in that decade.
As has been pointed out, "Here Comes the Navy" is fascinating history. You get a chill when you realize the Arizona was the ship sunk at Pearl Harbor, and when you realize that the Macon was a history maker.
The (all white) Navy was very well represented in this flick, but its raison d'etre for it was just what the moviegoers of that time expected - sharp, crackling dialog between Cagney and O'Brien. It is Cagney's pic. No one can upstage that ball of fire.
So, if you want to have fun, enjoy some nostalgia, get involved with some history, get your paws on "Here Comes the Navy."
I'm an old Army man but, anchors aweigh. A couple tons, I imagine.
Amazing footage!
edcasanova20038 May 2018
US Navy Film Settings Make Cagney/O'Brien Film A Must See
springfieldrental24 March 2023
Historical circumstances sometimes make a movie more prominent well after its release. A classic case is July 1934's "Here Comes The Navy" with James Cagney and Pat O'Brien. On the face of it, the movie about a hot-head ship riveter joining the Navy to annoy a chief petty officer was known as one of twelve Academy Award's Best Picture nominations for the year. But the poignant facts of the motion picture's filming on the USS Arizona gave the Warner Brothers film a historic relevance of importance on December 7, 1941.
The United States Navy fully cooperated with the studio to use their shipyards, their battleships and a dirigible in the spring of 1934 to produce "Here Comes The Navy." The USS Arizona served as a backdrop for the two-week shoot where much of the action took place on the 1916 commissioned vessel. The California-based USS Arizona served as a training battleship between the wars before assigned with the rest of the Pacific Fleet to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1940. The attack by the Japanese on the Naval harbor sunk the USS Arizona, killing 1,177 officers and crewmen. A magazine explosion sent the ship to the bottom of Pearl Harbor, and today stands as a memorial to those who lost their lives from the surprise attack. From a specially-built platform over it, the outline of the sunken battleship can be seen. Film reviewer Glen Erickson notes upon seeing the Naval vessel's distinct features in the movie, "The ship's giant masts, huge guns and wooden deck are instantly recognizable to 1950s kids taught to worship the ill-fated craft."
Later in "Here Comes The Navy," Chester O'Connor (Cagney) is transferred to the US Naval Air Service and assigned to the USS Macon airship. The movie offers a rare look at the pre-war dirigible and its storage facility in Hanger One at Moffett Federal Airfield in Santa Clara, California. The hanger containing the USS Macon was one of the world's largest freestanding structures in the world, measuring over eight acres. The USS Macon, sister ship to the ill-fated USS Akron (which crashed on April 4, 1933, killing 73), was the largest flying structure in terms of volume of any nation. As seen in the movie, the Macon was designed to carry five biplanes for aerial scouting. The airship was lost on February 13, 1935, a few months after filming concluded when a storm off the coast of California collapsed the structure. Miraculously only two died from the crash; the rest of the crew was rescued by nearby ships. Its remains lie on the bottom of the Monterey Bay seabed, and is protected as an underwater sanctuary.
Added to the historical footnotes of "Here Comes The Navy" was actress Gloria Stuart, who plays Cagney's love interest, Dorothy Martin. Stuart had filmed several scenes on the USS Arizona. Years later she earned an Academy Award acting nomination for her role as Roe DeWitt Bukater in James Cameron's 1997 epic "Titanic." Stuart was 87 when she appeared on the deck of an exploration ship examining the Titanic below the surface, 63 years after she was on the real deck of the the USS Arizona.
"Here Comes The Navy" failed to garner a win in its only Academy nomination. But the movie holds the distinction as the first United States Navy-based film to be considered for Best Picture. In addition, long-time pals Cagney and O'Brien, in their first picture together, would be paired in nine films, the last in 1981's "Ragtime."
The United States Navy fully cooperated with the studio to use their shipyards, their battleships and a dirigible in the spring of 1934 to produce "Here Comes The Navy." The USS Arizona served as a backdrop for the two-week shoot where much of the action took place on the 1916 commissioned vessel. The California-based USS Arizona served as a training battleship between the wars before assigned with the rest of the Pacific Fleet to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1940. The attack by the Japanese on the Naval harbor sunk the USS Arizona, killing 1,177 officers and crewmen. A magazine explosion sent the ship to the bottom of Pearl Harbor, and today stands as a memorial to those who lost their lives from the surprise attack. From a specially-built platform over it, the outline of the sunken battleship can be seen. Film reviewer Glen Erickson notes upon seeing the Naval vessel's distinct features in the movie, "The ship's giant masts, huge guns and wooden deck are instantly recognizable to 1950s kids taught to worship the ill-fated craft."
Later in "Here Comes The Navy," Chester O'Connor (Cagney) is transferred to the US Naval Air Service and assigned to the USS Macon airship. The movie offers a rare look at the pre-war dirigible and its storage facility in Hanger One at Moffett Federal Airfield in Santa Clara, California. The hanger containing the USS Macon was one of the world's largest freestanding structures in the world, measuring over eight acres. The USS Macon, sister ship to the ill-fated USS Akron (which crashed on April 4, 1933, killing 73), was the largest flying structure in terms of volume of any nation. As seen in the movie, the Macon was designed to carry five biplanes for aerial scouting. The airship was lost on February 13, 1935, a few months after filming concluded when a storm off the coast of California collapsed the structure. Miraculously only two died from the crash; the rest of the crew was rescued by nearby ships. Its remains lie on the bottom of the Monterey Bay seabed, and is protected as an underwater sanctuary.
Added to the historical footnotes of "Here Comes The Navy" was actress Gloria Stuart, who plays Cagney's love interest, Dorothy Martin. Stuart had filmed several scenes on the USS Arizona. Years later she earned an Academy Award acting nomination for her role as Roe DeWitt Bukater in James Cameron's 1997 epic "Titanic." Stuart was 87 when she appeared on the deck of an exploration ship examining the Titanic below the surface, 63 years after she was on the real deck of the the USS Arizona.
"Here Comes The Navy" failed to garner a win in its only Academy nomination. But the movie holds the distinction as the first United States Navy-based film to be considered for Best Picture. In addition, long-time pals Cagney and O'Brien, in their first picture together, would be paired in nine films, the last in 1981's "Ragtime."
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