A kid at a military academy named Bud Hooper (Tommy Dix) sends a fan letter to Lucille Ball asking her to be his prom date--despite the fact that he has a girlfriend, Helen Schelsinger (Virginia Weidler). Ball accepts under the pressuring of her agent (William Gaxton). Bud's two roomies (Kenny Bowers, Jack Jordan) are also hot for Ball. Add Nancy Walker and Harry James and his Orchestra and thing go barreling out of control.
Not a great musical but enjoyable. The color is bright, the film is full of life and there are some very funny (if dated) lines. Most of the songs are unmemorable (and go on far too long) until the last one--it's a great little number called "Buckle Down Winsocki" and easily stops the show.
Acting--well Ball is just incredible--VERY sexy, funny and believable. Dix is just so-so as Bud, Weidler is good as his girlfriend. His two roomies--one is OK (Bowers) but the other (Jordan) over OVER ACTS to a truly annoying degree. It reached the point that every time he was on screen I was cringing away. Walker's character is treated dreadfully--she's the butt of some VERY cruel jokes. Still she manages to be funny regardless. Also this is one of you few chances to see Walker sing and dance (pretty well) and see Lucy sing (although her voice is obviously dubbed). And there's Gloria DeHaven and June Allyson in bit parts!
Nothing great but I enjoyed it. If the songs had been better this would have gotten a 10. As it is I'm giving it a 7. Worth catching.
