In spite of my low score this film has quite a bit going for it. Lon Chaney is as usual brilliant in a somewhat thankless role as a sergeant trying to make a marine out of Haines. Eleanor Boardman is as usual perfect and adorable to boot. It's a pity she didn't survive the talkies. The script is not special but not bad either and survives only due to Chaney's and Boardman's performances. There are some great battle and naval scenes, and Warner Oland, in his pre-Charlie Chan days, makes a great Chinese rebel leader. And look for Carmel Myers playing a Pacific islander.
What sinks the whole thing is Haines who is his usual annoying self. Having seen some of his other films I frankly don't see how he could have been such a big star in his day. There is nothing in his performances to even endear him let alone admire. I was happiest when scenes didn't include him. He was pushy, arrogant, irresponsible, and that pretty much describes his performances in other films as well. One of the worst was the scene where he takes Boardman for a ride but refuses to take her home and wrecks his car trying to fondle her. They then board a tram and while she tries her best to get away from him he relentlessly pursues her forcing himself on the seat next to her. I'm not sure what the writers had in mind but how could anyone imagine that such a man could win the affections of the refined woman portrayed by Boardman? Worse yet what does that say about respecting a woman's right to say no? One might argue that I'm using 21st century judgment and sensibilities but respect means the same thing no matter what the century. And overall, Haines' role was simply not funny, just annoying.
Still, this film is worth seeing if one can just tolerate Haines. In my mind the final scene with Lon Chaney says it all. Does his expression reflect his opinion of Haines' performance? I think so, but watch it and judge for yourselves.
What sinks the whole thing is Haines who is his usual annoying self. Having seen some of his other films I frankly don't see how he could have been such a big star in his day. There is nothing in his performances to even endear him let alone admire. I was happiest when scenes didn't include him. He was pushy, arrogant, irresponsible, and that pretty much describes his performances in other films as well. One of the worst was the scene where he takes Boardman for a ride but refuses to take her home and wrecks his car trying to fondle her. They then board a tram and while she tries her best to get away from him he relentlessly pursues her forcing himself on the seat next to her. I'm not sure what the writers had in mind but how could anyone imagine that such a man could win the affections of the refined woman portrayed by Boardman? Worse yet what does that say about respecting a woman's right to say no? One might argue that I'm using 21st century judgment and sensibilities but respect means the same thing no matter what the century. And overall, Haines' role was simply not funny, just annoying.
Still, this film is worth seeing if one can just tolerate Haines. In my mind the final scene with Lon Chaney says it all. Does his expression reflect his opinion of Haines' performance? I think so, but watch it and judge for yourselves.