Rookies in Burma

Carney and Brown were two minor supporting comedians whom RKO teamed, hoping for the same chemistry -- and profits! -- that Universal was getting out of Abbott and Costello. But whereas A&C were two guys who had spent twelve years honing their act and timing, this pair had to move on their acting ability, which was decent, and their chemistry -- which, alas, was non-existent.

Strangely enough, this, their cheapest feature -- no supporting acts, no songs -- is, I think, their best. I credit Leslie Goodwins, the director, who usually spent his time in the shorts department directing Leon Erroll and Edgar Kennedy shorts. There are some very funny gags scattered about.

A surprising amount of comic energy is supplied by Erford Gage, who plays their sergeant in this and ADVENTURES OF A ROOKIE. He also gets to pull the best gag in the movie, something you'd expect to see in a Merrie Melody.

So this movie is not a waste of time. But it does make you appreciate Abbott and Costello all the more.