Follow the Boys (1944)

During World War II, all the studios put out "all-star" vehicles which featured virtually every star on the lot--often playing themselves--in musical numbers and comedy skits, and were ... See full summary »

Director:

A. Edward Sutherland

Writers:

Lou Breslow (original screenplay), Gertrude Purcell (original screenplay),

Stars:

George Raft, Vera Zorina, Jeanette MacDonald

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George Raft	...	Tony West
Vera Zorina	...	Gloria Vance
Jeanette MacDonald	...	Jeanette MacDonald
Orson Welles' Mercury Wonder Show	...	Mercury Wonder Show
Marlene Dietrich	...	Marlene Dietrich
Dinah Shore	...	Dinah Shore
Donald O'Connor	...	Donald O'Connor
Peggy Ryan	...	Peggy Ryan
W.C. Fields	...	W. C. Fields
The Andrews Sisters	...	Andrews Sisters
Artur Rubinstein	...	Rubinstein
Carmen Amaya and Her Company	...	Performers
Sophie Tucker	...	Sophie Tucker
Delta Rhythm Boys	...	Delta Rhythm Boys
Leonard Gautier's Bricklayers	...	The Bricklayers

Storyline

During World War II, all the studios put out "all-star" vehicles which featured virtually every star on the lot--often playing themselves--in musical numbers and comedy skits, and were meant as morale-boosters to both the troops overseas and the civilians at home. This was Universal Pictures' effort. It features everyone from Donald O'Connor to the Andrews Sisters to Orson Welles to W.C. Fields to George Raft to Marlene Dietrich, and dozens of other Universal players.

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Plot Keywords:

parade | magic | germany | troop ship | actress | 

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Taglines:

Hollywood's Biggest Stars Come Together For A Great Cause!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Musical | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 May 1944 (USA)

Also Known As:

Three Cheers for the Boys

Filming Locations:

Naval Training Center, San Diego, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min 110 min (edited)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Recorded with just a choral background since the American Federation of Musicians' wartime strike continued against Victor Records, Dinah Shore's blockbuster 78 of the Oscar-nominated, eternal love song, "I'll Walk Alone" (music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn) held the apex of the "Billboard" singles chart for three weeks, between November 4 and November 18, 1944. A #3 "Billboard" single of another tune from the movie was the jaunty "Is You Is or Is You Ain't (Ma' Baby)" (music and lyrics and Louis Jordan and Billy Austin (I)). Decca Records (having settled with the musicians' union) released the record by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five.

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Quotes

W.C. Fields: You can count on me. You can always find me at Little Joe's Cream Puff Emporium.

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Connections

Featured in Hollywoodism: Jews, Movies and the American Dream (1998)

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Soundtracks

"Good Night"
(1923) (uncredited)
Music and Lyrics by Leo Wood, Con Conrad and Irving Bibo
Performed by Ted Lewis and his Band; vocal by Ted Lewis

User Reviews

"Close your eyes and I'll be there"

It is difficult in the modern world of mega-entertainment to comprehend how little was available in 1944, especially for troops stationed in remote regions, at least if movies made during World War Two are any testimony. This movie is loaded with talent, singing what the "boys" wanted to hear. The plot is typical of USO movies, lots of entertaining and lots of appreciation. Dinah Shore's "I Promise You" and the Andrew Sisters' "Apple Blossom Time" must have put many minds at ease, at least for a short time. The film is worth seeing, especially when George Raft dances in the rain.