Shortly after World War II's pivotal Normandy invasion, newly promoted (from private to corporal) Robert Walker (as Marion Hargrove) and his fellow soldiers get their truck stuck in the mud. After freeing the military vehicle by yelling "Heave!" Mr. Walker and the men stumble upon a French village outside of Paris. The locals mistake them for liberators. Also, Walker catches the eye of the mayor's daughter, pretty French mademoiselle Jean Porter (as Jeanne Quidoc). She sends all the signals for romance, but Walker wants to remain faithful to his girlfriend (Carol) from last year's film "See Here, Private Hargrove" (1944). The US Army encourages Walker to succumb to Ms. Porter's sexy advances, lest the US offend France...
Meanwhile, Walker's pal Keenan Wynn (as Thomas "Tom" Mulvehill) pursues a "get rich quick" scheme...
This was the second, and final, entry in MGM's series of "Hargrove" films starring Robert Walker. Direction and editing suggest Walker had limited interest in the story. This is evident from the opening. Later, while at a Paris restaurant, observe when Mr. Wynn has a cup of coffee spilled on his lap; the spill immediately dries up, without a trace. The "Academy Awards" organization thought this picture worthy of an "Oscar" nomination, for "Best Original Screenplay" and there are a couple of good quips. The writer honored, Harry Kurnitz, managed to get another story out of the characters and situation, but was not well served by this production. The stronger scenes occur with Walker and Wynn accidentally going AWOL in Paris.
**** What Next, Corporal Hargrove? (1945-11-21) Richard Thorpe ~ Robert Walker, Keenan Wynn, Jean Porter, Chill Wills
