Private Buckaroo (1942)

A Universal Army enlistment promotion, produced as a musical showcase for Harry James, the Andrews Sisters, Joe E. Lewis, and Donald O'Connor & Peggy Ryan. The film's thin plot has James ... See full summary »

Director:

Edward F. Cline

Writers:

Edmond Kelso (screenplay), Edward James (screenplay),

Stars:

The Andrews Sisters, Dick Foran, Joe E. Lewis

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
The Andrews Sisters	...	Andrews Sisters
Dick Foran	...	Lon Prentice
Joe E. Lewis	...	Lancelot Pringle McBiff
Ernest Truex	...	Col. Elias Weatherford
Jennifer Holt	...	Joyce Mason
Shemp Howard	...	Sgt. 'Muggsy' Shavel
Richard Davies	...	Lt. Howard Mason
Mary Wickes	...	Bonnie-Belle Schlopkiss
Donald O'Connor	...	Donny
Peggy Ryan	...	Peggy
Huntz Hall	...	Cpl. Anemic
Susan Levine	...	Tagalong
The Jivin' Jacks and Jills	...	Vocal Group
Harry James	...	Harry James
Harry James and His Music Makers	...	The Music Makers

Storyline

A Universal Army enlistment promotion, produced as a musical showcase for Harry James, the Andrews Sisters, Joe E. Lewis, and Donald O'Connor & Peggy Ryan. The film's thin plot has James drafted, and joining him is the band's lead vocalist Lon Prentice (Dick Foran), who doesn't believe that Army training and regulations are necessary for anyone of his skill and fame. Shemp Howard steals the film whenever James and the Andrews aren't performing. As Sgt. Snavely, he's effectively teamed with Mary Wickes as his shrewish fiancée, trying desperately to keep her away from the attentions of nightclub comic and USO performer Lancelot Pringle McBiff (Joe E. Lewis). Shemp also has the opportunity to clown onstage with the Andrews Sisters during a musical finale, as they perform Don't Sit Under the Appletree. Arguably, Shemp's best solo feature film credit.

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Plot Keywords:

singer | swing music | gambler | nightclub | mascot | 

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Taglines:

IT JUMPS! IT JIVES! It rocks with red hot rhythm! (original poster)

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Genres:

Comedy | Music | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 June 1942 (USA)

Also Known As:

Showsoldat James

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

68 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

References Gone with the Wind (1939)

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Soundtracks

"Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree"
(uncredited)
Music by Sam H. Stept
Lyrics by Charles Tobias
Performed by The Andrews Sisters with Harry James and His Music Makers

User Reviews

The Andrews Sisters as ever was

The cardboard comedy and the pencilled-in plot scarcely have a moment to bore you before the next musical number comes along. Some numbers are better than others-- unfortunately, the title song has not aged well-- but the Andrews Sisters make the movie worthwhile. And Harry James reminds us that he wasn't *only* Betty Grable's husband...