GamerTab
That was an excellent one.
Chirphymium
It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional
AnhartLinkin
This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.
Janis
One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
Uriah43
Immediately after the United States enters World War 1 against Germany, three men from Coney Island by the names of "Baltimore" (William Boyd), "Dutch" (Robert Armstrong) and "Skeets" (James Gleason) enlist in the U.S. Navy and leave behind a young woman named "Sally" (Ginger Rogers) who each of them have fallen in love with. Unfortunately, Sally only loves one of them so the other two Dutch and Skeets) do their best to keep them apart by deceiving Baltimore about Sally's true affection for him. However, although Baltimore falls for their deception, they soon discover that he has his own plans for them as well--and his involves a deception towards the German Navy. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a comedy which had a bit of slapstick humor here and there but otherwise I didn't really see much humor in it. Of course, this film was produced over 80 years ago when budgets were rather strained so perhaps it deserves a bit more slack. Be that as it may, although it wasn't a great film by any means, I didn't think it was necessarily that bad either and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Average.
Al Westerfield
This film is much better than other reviewers would lead you to believe. If you're a fan of Robert Armstrong, James Gleason and early Ginger Rodgers as I am that would be almost enough. The three guys and a gal plot may seem old now but it wasn't then. It's carried off pretty well here. I appreciated the views of 1930 New York including Luna Park at Coney Island. As far as I can tell the midway was actually filmed at an amusement park in California; it certainly added a sense of reality. I, too was confused by the 1931 clothing in a film taking place in 1917. I kept wondering what war broke out. However, such anachronisms are to be expected in almost every period film. Women's hair styles and makeup always give it away. And if Greed could carry it off wearing late 1890's clothes in 1922 crowds, why complain here? But the naval scenes are the star here. To my knowledge they are the most extensive authentic scenes ever filmed. It's obvious that the Navy gave it's complete cooperation. Everything looked authentic because it was. I loved that the film shows the German side without prejudice (or subtitles). Frank Reicher and Henry Victor lend an air of authenticity here, too. Except for the semi-comic interludes it could have been an excellent documentary. Over all this should be better known for its appeal to World War I fans and naval historians. Look fast for Richard Alexander (Prince Baron of Flash Gordon) as a crew member with one line.
Neil Doyle
Three carnival workers romance the same girl until WWI interferes with their plans. They join the Navy and the plot meanders all over the place with tiresome effect.WILLIAM BOYD (later "Hopalong Cassidy") spouts his dialog in a slow-moving way, and ROBERT ARMSTRONG and JAMES GLEASON mug their way through some silly shenanigans as sailors looking for a good time. Boyd is the Chief Petty Officer who comes out of retirement to rejoin the service. GINGER ROGERS is the carnival gal who can't seem to decide whether to get serious about Boyd or not, until the finale.It's hopelessly contrived and full of hokey situations, dated dialog and interesting only for a glimpse of the Naval ships.Summing up: Totally unsatisfying from almost every standpoint.
James A.
Aerial footage of DD345 "U.S.S. PREBLE" (commissioned 3-19-20) while running at flank speed and turning from side to side and while airplane which is photographing bow-on goes from starboard to port and back again a couple of times.
