A bunch of energetic adolescents get together for this fast-paced and likable musical comedy based upon a 1941 Broadway musical that has since become a cult classic. It's all about a popular movie star (Lucille Ball as herself) who is sent to a military school as a publicity stunt by her rambunctous agent (William Gaxton) as a date for the teenaged cadet (Tommy Dix). She is recognized by other students who rip off her clothes for souvenirs, getting the cadet into trouble yet getting the publicity she needed. Ms.
Ball proves she's a good egg by stepping up to the plate to defend him to the school's general just in time for graduation.
This opens up on a truly peppy moment with "Wish I May, Wish I Might", a campy musical number where the dates of the cadets arrive and dream of a successful graduation dance. Pouting Virginia Weidler is cast as Dix's rejected girlfriend who must go with someone else when her beau chooses to go with the red-headed Ball. Lucy looks great in Technicolor, heading into "A" movie musical territory at MGM after 7 years in "B" films over at RKO of varying quality. Her red hair is as flaming as her personality, and you won't confuse her for Lucy Ricardo, Carmichael or Carter here. She's not a clumsy dolt, just a victim of circumstance and her own fame.
Then, there's the supporting cast with June Allyson, Gloria DeHaven and the unbelievably talented Nancy Walker ("Rhoda", "McMillan and Wife", "Bounty" commercials). Walker is hysterically funny from the moment she drives up, a younger version of Patsy Kelly, and totally man crazy even though none of the men will look at her. She steals every musical moment she's in, singing and dancing with Harry James in "Alive and Kicking" and getting an unusual disguise when she literally ends up wearing a drum. Allyson and DeHaven provide lighter moments, and join Walker for "The Three B's", an enjoyable tribute to the Barrelhouse, the Boogie Woogie and the Blues.
Equally memorable is "Buckle Down, Winsocki", the school song utilized for the finale and sung by the deep voiced but young looking Dix.
Ball proves she's a good egg by stepping up to the plate to defend him to the school's general just in time for graduation.
This opens up on a truly peppy moment with "Wish I May, Wish I Might", a campy musical number where the dates of the cadets arrive and dream of a successful graduation dance. Pouting Virginia Weidler is cast as Dix's rejected girlfriend who must go with someone else when her beau chooses to go with the red-headed Ball. Lucy looks great in Technicolor, heading into "A" movie musical territory at MGM after 7 years in "B" films over at RKO of varying quality. Her red hair is as flaming as her personality, and you won't confuse her for Lucy Ricardo, Carmichael or Carter here. She's not a clumsy dolt, just a victim of circumstance and her own fame.
Then, there's the supporting cast with June Allyson, Gloria DeHaven and the unbelievably talented Nancy Walker ("Rhoda", "McMillan and Wife", "Bounty" commercials). Walker is hysterically funny from the moment she drives up, a younger version of Patsy Kelly, and totally man crazy even though none of the men will look at her. She steals every musical moment she's in, singing and dancing with Harry James in "Alive and Kicking" and getting an unusual disguise when she literally ends up wearing a drum. Allyson and DeHaven provide lighter moments, and join Walker for "The Three B's", an enjoyable tribute to the Barrelhouse, the Boogie Woogie and the Blues.
Equally memorable is "Buckle Down, Winsocki", the school song utilized for the finale and sung by the deep voiced but young looking Dix.