Big and bigger show biz names from the 1940's turn up in this World War II soldier tribute, and you won't find a larger cast anywhere else, except maybe "Hollywood Canteen" which followed the next year. Admittedly, the appearances for most of the headliners are mere cameos, but a few render bits that might have also been seen on TV variety shows of the next generation. Edgar Bergen shows up with his wooden friends, Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd; Ray Bolger turns in a clever routine with song and schtick including 'The Girl I Love to Leave Behind'. Sad in a way that stuff like this doesn't work any more, but for folks who grew up with many of the names on the bill, the film is a wonderful trip down memory lane. Most of the acts and players had their heyday in the Forties, but enough of them hung on to where I was able to catch them in appearances on programs like 'The Ed Sullivan Show' and the like. My favorite appearances here were George Raft doing duty as a busboy, Johnny Weissmuller revealing his barrel chest to wash dishes, and George Jessel doing a bit in a phone booth.
There's a nominal story to the picture as well, with servicemen about to deploy getting to know and fall in love with hostesses at the Canteen. The rules of engagement state that the girls shouldn't get personal with the soldiers, but you know that won't work once the film gets under way. One of the match ups is love at first sight while the other takes a while to warm up, as the players mingle in and out of the spotlight between star appearances and Big Band music.
Young viewers today might scratch their heads over a couple of scenes, particularly when Sam Jaffe interprets for Russian submarine sailors on leave in New York, and Chinese Air Cadets hoisted on American shoulders in one of the film's patriotic feel good moments. It all brings to mind that if we could all just get along, the world would be a much better place today. Wishful thinking I know, but one can dream.
My summary line above is the underlying theme of course, but you might be surprised who uttered them. It was Katherine Hepburn in a rousing declaration near the finale to Canteen girl Eileen (Cheryl Walker) when her soldier boyfriend shipped out before he could say goodbye. The scene was played out for both it's sentiment and it's patriotism, with a bittersweet message that was perfectly appropriate for it's time.
There's a nominal story to the picture as well, with servicemen about to deploy getting to know and fall in love with hostesses at the Canteen. The rules of engagement state that the girls shouldn't get personal with the soldiers, but you know that won't work once the film gets under way. One of the match ups is love at first sight while the other takes a while to warm up, as the players mingle in and out of the spotlight between star appearances and Big Band music.
Young viewers today might scratch their heads over a couple of scenes, particularly when Sam Jaffe interprets for Russian submarine sailors on leave in New York, and Chinese Air Cadets hoisted on American shoulders in one of the film's patriotic feel good moments. It all brings to mind that if we could all just get along, the world would be a much better place today. Wishful thinking I know, but one can dream.
My summary line above is the underlying theme of course, but you might be surprised who uttered them. It was Katherine Hepburn in a rousing declaration near the finale to Canteen girl Eileen (Cheryl Walker) when her soldier boyfriend shipped out before he could say goodbye. The scene was played out for both it's sentiment and it's patriotism, with a bittersweet message that was perfectly appropriate for it's time.