This Charley Chase short subject starts with a concept that is amusing on its own and bears at least a superficial resemblance to the premises of Harry Langdon's earlier comedy "Soldier Man" and Laurel and Hardy's later "Block-Heads." Like Langdon and Stan Laurel in the other two films, Chase here is a World War I soldier who never realizes that armistice has come and the war has ended. However, there is very much a Charley Chase spin on things -- he wasn't too dim-witted too notice the war was over for years, he was too busy doing his overzealous best to be a good soldier to hear the news, and then, in true Chase fashion, is the victim of a practical joke that keeps the illusion alive.
This business is funny and leads to some good gags, then the comedy turns to the frustration of trying to get home but constantly missing the boat because of one or other piece of unfinished business, and the malapropisms of an eccentric mayor trying to see Charley off with medals.
It's one of those Charley Chase shorts which are, not unintentionally, I think, more just freewheeling and fun rather than tightly plotted. That makes it great fun to watch despite the fact that sometimes it seems like gags-vamping around the theme of Charley Chase as a soldier. The fun is enhanced by not one but two musical numbers, which are always breezy joys in these films. What could have been a great running gag involving Charley's comrades going "all for one and one for all" with a silly secret sign gets just two throwaway references after it is introduced.
This one isn't perfect, but it's still cheerful, breezy, and fun.
