Dick Powell plays a rather fresh enlisted man who is constantly at odds with his sergeant (Pat O'Brien). Powell's life takes an unexpected twist when he is asked to chaperon the General's daughter (Ruby Keeler) about Hawaii. In the process, they naturally fall in love--which is a bit of a problem since Keeler already has a steady boyfriend. And, this steady is an officer who would like nothing more than to bust Powell. However, because of Keeler's behind the scenes maneuvering, Powell is saved from court martial.
Now Powell announces that he's tired of being bossed around by officers and wants to transfer to West Point! Talk about an interesting reason to go to the US Army's military academy! The rest of the film is like an entirely new film--with O'Brien and Powell's friends shipping off to China while Powell is sent from Oahu to upstate New York. In the real world, the chances for Cadet Powell to ever see Keeler, O'Brien and the rest ever again would be slim...but of course this is NOT the real world! And, speaking of unlike the real world, like most Hollywood films of the 1930s about the military academies, this one seems to NEVER have the students going to classes! An odd cliché, I know.
Just before graduation, Powell is put in charge of an annual song and dance and comedy show at the academy. The guys on the committee with him want to put the Superintendent's daughter (Keeler) in the show--but Powell is against it as he's still angry at her. He thinks she set him up to get into trouble back in Hawaii--not knowing that she really helped to bail him out behind the scenes. During the production, they fall back in love, as they both truly care about each other--but they old back telling each other. However, after the show her engagement to her old boyfriend is announced! Well, finally Powell has had enough and bursts into her home--announcing his love. But, as it's after hours and he is caught, he's in big trouble. Will he STILL graduate and will he get the girl? And, what excuse can they provide for bringing O'Brien back from China to West Point by the end of the movie?
This is a well made musical BUT it's hard to believe that it went on to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar! I see it as a silly and pleasant romp--but nothing more. I must admit, though, that I am not a huge fan of musicals though I am a huge classic Hollywood fan. It's nice but not enough to make this genre among my favorites! There was one cute dance sequence, however, that I did like. The dancing scene of the Hawaiians doing an almost Busby Berkeley-style dance number is ridiculous, it also is rather charming to watch. Plus, you really need to see it--it IS well done despite its shortcomings.
Now Powell announces that he's tired of being bossed around by officers and wants to transfer to West Point! Talk about an interesting reason to go to the US Army's military academy! The rest of the film is like an entirely new film--with O'Brien and Powell's friends shipping off to China while Powell is sent from Oahu to upstate New York. In the real world, the chances for Cadet Powell to ever see Keeler, O'Brien and the rest ever again would be slim...but of course this is NOT the real world! And, speaking of unlike the real world, like most Hollywood films of the 1930s about the military academies, this one seems to NEVER have the students going to classes! An odd cliché, I know.
Just before graduation, Powell is put in charge of an annual song and dance and comedy show at the academy. The guys on the committee with him want to put the Superintendent's daughter (Keeler) in the show--but Powell is against it as he's still angry at her. He thinks she set him up to get into trouble back in Hawaii--not knowing that she really helped to bail him out behind the scenes. During the production, they fall back in love, as they both truly care about each other--but they old back telling each other. However, after the show her engagement to her old boyfriend is announced! Well, finally Powell has had enough and bursts into her home--announcing his love. But, as it's after hours and he is caught, he's in big trouble. Will he STILL graduate and will he get the girl? And, what excuse can they provide for bringing O'Brien back from China to West Point by the end of the movie?
This is a well made musical BUT it's hard to believe that it went on to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar! I see it as a silly and pleasant romp--but nothing more. I must admit, though, that I am not a huge fan of musicals though I am a huge classic Hollywood fan. It's nice but not enough to make this genre among my favorites! There was one cute dance sequence, however, that I did like. The dancing scene of the Hawaiians doing an almost Busby Berkeley-style dance number is ridiculous, it also is rather charming to watch. Plus, you really need to see it--it IS well done despite its shortcomings.