I am watching Bowery Battalion (1951) on TCM right now. Sach sees an air raid drill going on in the Bowery and thinks it the real thing. He, Whitey, Butch, and Chuck rush down the army recruiting office to serve their country in time of war. When finds out what they've done, he goes to get them out, but winds up signing enlistment papers too! When the recruiting sergeant asks Slip his occupation, he responds with "spy." That sounds a little better than "shiftless loafer." Naturally, the boys get in trouble from the start and wind up in guardhouse. Louie misses the boys so much he tries to enlist, but is turned down. However, Louie was actually a hero in WWI for bravery under fire. He was also known for inventing a hydrogen ray, which supposedly could devastate the enemy, but was later proven impractical. The army wants to catch some spies lurking around the base, and decides to recall Louie and make him a major. Then they can use him and his hydrogen Ray weapon as bait to catch the bad guys. Naturally, things don't go as planned and Louie gets kidnapped. Can the boys come to his rescue in time?
The opening theme is a snappy rendition of "You're in the army now." Leo Gorcey is credited first, above the title. Then Huntz Hall by himself. The supporting actor page lists Bernard Gorcey and William Benedict (Whitey) in larger letters than Buddy Gorman (Butch) and David Gorcey (Chuck).
Bowery Battalion (1951) is an entertaining BB movie and is made better by the performance of Donald McBride as Sergeant Frisbie. This one is well worth watching.
