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

Decca Records star Bing Crosby, who did not appear in this film, combined with The Andrews Sisters on two "Billboard"-charting songs featured in the score: "Vic'try Polka" (music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn), sung in the picture at the conclusion of a greatest-hits medley by 'The Andrews Sisters, a number-five "Billboard" tune in 1943; and "Is You Is or Is You Ain't (Ma' Baby)" (music and lyrics by Louis Jordan and Billy Austin (I)), performed in the movie by Mr. Jordan singing with his orchestra, a number-two "Billboard" ditty for Crosby and the trio in 1944. On their own, the Andrews Sisters waxed for Decca and then repeated in this film a jivey song of farewell, "Shoo-Shoo" Baby" (music and lyrics by Phil Moore). Between late December 1943 and mid-April 1944, the sisters' 78 ranked as high as #3 among the "Billboard"-charting singles. Placing alongside was the Ella Mae Morse cut of "Shoo-Shoo Baby" on Capitol. In another musical from Universal, South of Dixie, Ella gave out with her rendition.

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Quotes

Gloria Vance: You have no inhibitions, have you?
Tony West: I can't afford them.

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Connections

Featured in The Story of Film: An Odyssey: Episode #1.5 (2011)

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Soundtracks

"Hold Tight, Hold Tight (Want Some Seafood, Mama)"
(1938) (uncredited)
Written by Jerry Brandow, Buddy G. DeSylva, Edward Robinson, Willie Spottswood and Leonard Ware
Sung by The Andrews Sisters in a medley of their hits

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.