The scariest thing about Sergeant Chaney is his face! There is little rigor of basic training shown, and most of that is because someone deserved it. It's light comedy, weak love story and a little action in the last part. I wonder how many rubes enlisted because of this recruiting poster of a film. Recruit Haines is an unlikeable twit, who tried to scam a free train trip out of Uncle Sam, then splitting for the TIjuana racetrack. He is given "the treatment" which is little indeed. Recruits run around town and get away with almost anything. There is a lot of silly Marine-Gob rivalry. I liked the San Diego train and trolley, the real Navy buildings in San Diego, and the ships at sea. It's wonderful to see Lon Cheney without make-up. Overall: weak. I now see why this movie hasn't been shown at any of the Silent Film Festivals I attended.
Review of Tell It to the Marines
