Starring Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Mike Kellin, and Angela Greene
Directed by Hal Walker
Music by Jerry Livingston; Lyrics by Mack David
Goofy, gangly Jerry Lewis and suave Dean Martin made it big on early TV and in nightclubs before they appeared in their first hit movie, My Friend Irma. Part of their contract with Paramount allowed them to film one film outside the studio per year. This would be the only film to exercise that clause, which ended with a protracted legal battle between the studio and the stars. Was it worth the fuss? Let's head to an army base in Kentucky, where First Sergeant Vic Puccinelli (Martin) is bemoaning his status behind a desk, and find out...
The Story: When Vic isn't continually attempting to get shipped overseas so he'll actually have something to do, he's romancing the local ladies. Millie (Jean Ruth) spends the entire movie wandering around the barracks looking for him. He's also stringing along local girl Helen Palmer (Polly Bergen). Private First Class Alvin Korwin (Lewis) wants leave as badly as Vic wants action. His wife just had a baby, and he wants a chance to meet it. His attempts at convincing their rather dumb drill sergeant McVey (Mike Kellin) come to naught. Meanwhile, everyone on-base wishes the soda machine in the office would finally work and are trying to figure out who their commander (William Mendrek) is getting his information from.
The Song and Dance: There are some fairly funny moments in this film, especially in the second half. Lewis has some good moments in a blond wig and dress, singing a bad French song to a very drunk Mendrek in a bar, and trying (and failing) to make it through a difficult obstacle course. Martin has slightly less to do besides complain, but he does do well playing alongside nasal Ruth and Bergen in her third film. The two men come together for the big base show they've been practicing for, including their genuinely funny impersonations of Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald in Going My Way.
Favorite Number: "Beans" introduces us to Private Korwin and the rest of the barracks as they lament over the quality of the food they're being served. Helen and Vic sing the ballad "You and Your Beautiful Eyes" together in a local restaurant.
Trivia: At War With the Army was originally a short-lived, non-musical play on Broadway. Kellin and Kenneth Forbes repeat their stage roles.
What I Don't Like: For their first vehicle, Martin and Lewis don't have a lot of time together. When they are together, Martin is usually berating or ordering Lewis around. Only their song and dance in the finale and the Going My Way spoof feels anything like their other films. The addition of a few outside sequences (like the obstacle course) and songs can't make it feel less like a filmed play, either. The first half in particular is mostly tied to the barracks, and other than a few gags, can seem a little static.
The Big Finale: Not my favorite from either of these two, separate or together, by a long-shot, but there's enough decent bits to recommend it if you're a fan of either star.
Home Media: Possibly due to that protracted legal battle, this movie entered the public domain in 1977. It's easy to find in cheap copies all over the place, on disc and streaming. Streaming company Tubi currently has it for free with ads.
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