PURE SLAPSTICK. 10 STARS.
The guys are absolutely insane here, joining the
Navy to retrieve stolen charity money. This was also the first episode in which they left the country, and according to future series writer and director Ed Bernds, it had to be believable --to a degree. It turns out that a couple of creeps, dressed in naval uniforms, pulled the job. Now all they have to do is find them???
There are endless gags, and Huntz Hall is
outrageous. You have to credit ace director William Beaudine for letting him just do his thing. Additionally, this is an early credit for comedy writer Leonard Stern (who used the name Max Adams?), soon to write classic episodes for THE HONEYMOONERS, and many other top tv sitcoms.
Hilarious scene between Sach and the serious captain (played by Jonathan Hale, best known as Mr. Dithers in BLONDIE). Sach radios him and asks "who am I talking to?" The captain shouts, "This is the captain!" Sach asks back, "Do you know WHOOO you are talking to?" NO! Sach exhales.... "BYEEEEE!"
There is a way crazy running gag where poor Allen Jenkins (as Longnecker?) gets wet every time he encounters Sach, and nearly slides off the ship into the Atlantc Ocean!
Leo Gorcey has fun accidentally serving soap, instead of cheese to his commanding officer. SOAP BUBBLES ALL OVER THE PLACE! This had to have been borrowed from the THREE STOOGES.
A true labor of love from all the Bowery Boys who you can tell were having a good ole time. And that is the secret to great comedy. Leo Gorcey's daughter, Brandy, said her dad was a true comedian and he knew his stuff. Spot on.
PS: Sach's alias name is Hobernocker!
According to film notes Variety, the Hollywood Reporter and the Motion Picture Herald noted, this was one of the funniest episodes to date. The writers at the Herald added that a test audience started laughing 30 seconds into the film!
Great supporting cast of well known character actors, such as Tom Neal (as Joe), future director Richard Benedict (as Red), veteran actor Tom Kennedy (as Donovan) and Peter Mamakos as Nuramo. Actress Charlita plays pretty Princess Papoola.
Best bit is the sped up shell game between Sach, the parrot and a con-man. This was the final film by producer Jan Grippo, who retired after his wife died. Variety would pay tribute to his great work. Jerry Thomas would replace him, producing a string of classic early 50s episodes. Next up, CRAZY OVER HORSES! Do not miss that one.
Remastered by Warner Brothers, who were very wise to purchase the series and released them to TCM. WB features 6 to 8 films per dvd box set.
