User reviews

Tab Hunter plays a disgruntled college football star with bad grades who reluctantly joins the Peace Time Army, immediately getting on the wrong side of the other G.I.s with his surly attitude. I doubt, even in 1956, that Army officers would have put up with as many of Hunter's time-wasting shenanigans as they do here: he nods off and snores during a speech, he gets sarcastic and throws a few punches, his mother and former girlfriend both come for visits during Basic Training. The Fort Ord locations in California are well-captured, but this script seems conjured up by Hollywood persons unfamiliar with the milieu. For his part, Tab Hunter does almost nothing naturally as an actor. When he focuses on another performer, Hunter's intense stare makes him look furious--and when he's joshing or sweet-talking his mama, the smile is forced and nervous. Hunter isn't a bad actor, necessarily; there are one or two scenes where he seems in the moment. Still, both he and Natalie Wood are slumming here, giving about fifty-percent of what they've got. Supporting players Henry Jones, Jim Backus, Murray Hamilton, James Garner (in a small role), David Janssen, and even Alan King (as the proverbial barracks clown) do much better work than the stars. ** from ****

The title role of The Girl He Left Behind is none other than Natalie Wood. But it is Tab Hunter who is doing the leaving because he's gotten a greetings letter from President Eisenhower inviting him to join the US Army. Those draft notices can ruin the plans of many a young man.

In this case the young man Hunter is playing is quite rich and really acts to the manor born. If he's got the right stuff it will take all the people above him in his training company from captain David Janssen to First Sergeant Jim Backus to platoon sergeant Murray Hamilton to bring it out of him.

Fifteen years after this film was made I was doing basic training at a lovely garden spot of the earth called Fort Polk, Louisiana. It would never have occurred to me to mouth off the way Tab Hunter was doing to those above him. I've also never seen a basic training film that didn't have one trainee doing a single pushup. Hunter should have been down in a prone position on all fours pushing the good earth of Fort Ord away from him.

The Girl He Left Behind was filmed at Ford Ord and that certainly made it look authentic if it wasn't quite. In the cast as Hunter's fellow trainees are Alan King, Henry Jones and James Garner in what was his second film appearance.

Both Hunter's memoirs and a recent biography of Natalie Wood mention that at this time the two of them were linked romantically in a series of studio arranged dates. We know now just how far from the truth that was, but at least from Hunter's point of view, Natalie Wood was a good scout about it all. One of the lines I remember best from his autobiography was that he (Tab) could have qualified for veteran's benefits with all the military movies he was cast in. He certainly did have that all American military look about him.

The Girl He Left Behind is one of the most unrealistic of army films I've ever seen, still it has a great cast and I'm a fan of a whole lot of the people in this film.

Spoiled rich kid (Hunter) is drafted into the army where he creates problems.

For about a ten-year period from the smash-hit Mr. Roberts (1955) to the deepening involvement in Vietnam, Hollywood produced a spate of service comedies, including this one. These were movies trading on the lighter side of military service. They existed in what might be called the triumphant after-glow of WWII, and perhaps as a way of further forgetting that awkward war in Korea. Of course, Hollywood being Hollywood, liberties with real military service were taken, sometimes in wholesale lots. Nonetheless, comedies like Mr. Roberts, Operation Mad Ball (1957), Operation Petticoat (1959) were genuinely funny and harmless entertainment unless taken seriously.

Few people, I expect, remember this entry and for good reason—it's not even amusing, let alone funny. Which means for one thing that folks familiar with Basic Training are not apt to overlook the many liberties taken, as other reviewers detail. Clearly, Warner Bros. intended the movie as a vehicle for its younger players, probably hoping for chemistry between Hunter and Wood. And that's the trouble. Hunter simply lacks the skills for what's actually a rather difficult role. Shaeffer needs to be not just arrogant, but also likable at some level. Unfortunately, Hunter's Pvt. Shaeffer is just obnoxious without the redeeming qualities that a Jack Lemmon or a Tony Curtis, for example, could have managed. And since Hunter's miscasting is in about every scene, the movie is more unpleasant than anything else.

Wood's role as the girlfriend is clearly secondary to Hunter's, and one most any young actress less talented could have handled. But at least, the movie's a payday for such fine supporting players as Jones, Janssen, and especially the arch Murray Hamilton whose platoon sergeant is made to suffer indignities from a trainee no real sergeant would put up with. I'm just sorry Jim Garner wasn't young enough to bring his superb light-comedy skills to the lead role. Then the movie might have worked.

A rich mummy's boy gets bad grades at college so is forced to enlist in the Infantry. This was supposed to be a comedy, though I found the humour lacking, probably because the lead actor, Tab Hunter, wasn't very good. Natalie Wood had a smaller role playing Tab Hunters girlfriend, and the future major of Amity Island in Jaws played a sergeant. Only watch is you are very bored.

Referred to by both its leading players as The Girl With The Left Behind this is by no means a great movie but one certainly better than its sullied reputation would lead you to believe.

A large part of that bad rep comes via its two stars, Tab Hunter and Natalie Wood. A large portion of their distaste for this and several of their other co-starring pictures is surely attributable to the fact that they were contract players at the time and handed one indifferent script after another until Natalie graduated to A level stardom and Tab left the studio.

The film itself is an innocuous trifle about a selfish spoiled young man who has a problem with authority and the pains he and the officers over him suffer when he's drafted. Hardly a new plot or revolutionarily enacted this is stuffed with excellent character actors all contributing fun performances. A few standouts are Jessie Royce Landis as Tab's addled mother, Murray Hamilton as his exasperated direct superior and Henry Jones as an amiable cohort. Natalie's disregard for the film is understandable though since she's handed one of the nothing girl parts she had to endure while toiling her way to the top.

An unremarkable studio product this is still an enjoyable picture.

This movie can't seem to decide if it is a comedy or drama. Tab Hunter's role though well acted is strange. It seems Hunter can join the Army & tell the Army what he wants. At least the script is consistent here as his mother comes to visit him & does the same thing.

Natalie Wood is 18 years old when she does this movie & looks great even in the frumpy dresses she gets to wear in some sequences. You can not hide a hot 18 year old babe unless you keep her off camera. The rest of the script is a veritable who's who of character actors.

James Garner has a small role in his 3rd career film. David Jansen has a small before Fugitive role as an officer. Norman Fell (Stanley Roper) though I can't find him credited is in quite a few sequences. Raymond Bailey (Milburn Drysdale on Beverly Hillbillies) is here as well as Jim Bakus (Thurston Howell on Gilligan's Island) is here too. The interesting thing here more than the plot is seeing all this talent on screen trying to bring off a weak script.

At times, the script tries to be funny & at times like when kids almost get blasted when they wander on to the artillery range, the film gets a little dramatic. I think if the film had headed more for comedy, especially with this support cast, it would have been better.

In 1956 when America was just back from the Korean War, this movie was made. It tells the story of Andy Sheaffer, (Tab Hunter) a rich, spoiled and pampered young man who is ready to accept a high society position among the elite, rich and privileged. Unfortunately his more mature girlfriend Susan Daniels (Natalie Wood) wants more out of her intended. She prefers her man to be an adult, self-sufficient and away from his over protective mother. To this end, he discovers he has been drafted and reluctantly inducted into the U.S. Army. Even though he can easily succeed in the military, Sheaffer prefers otherwise. Within the ranks are several men who try their best to convince him of his natural abilities. Relative Hollywood newcomers are among the names of those who try. Murray Hamilton (excellent part for him) plays his platoon Sargent, Jim Backus, Henry Jones, Alan King, James Garner and even David Janssen attempt to help him with the transformation. The movie is a little heavy on social responsibility, but just shy of military propaganda. Indeed, it was originally intended to help young men decide about life in the military. A good film which allowed Murray, Garner and Jansen to lay the foundations of their respective careers. ****

First saw this movie in 1965 the night before marksmanship qualification at Parris Island, I suspect that the reason they showed it to us is so that we could react to the slogan on the sign at the 11th Infantry's Headquarters. Yes, it was "Semper Fidelis"! The whole theater erupted each time that was shown. We also enjoyed the Sergeant's "Your behinds are grass, and I'm the lawnmower" because it was one of our DI's favorites; although with more colorful mode of expression.

The movie itself was hilarious in its badness (except for Natalie Wood). We could not fathom anyone getting away with the crap that Tab Hunter's "Andy" was dishing; not even in the Army! The less said about Andy's 'heroics', the better.

As for the romantic aspects, it was clear to all of us that Hunter's interest was not in Wood. No one (especially an actor as bad as Tab Hunter) could be within a mile of Natalie Wood and pretend such indifference. Even a great actor could not be indifferent.

A nice piece of big studio fluff that is too bad to get made today.

A lot of fine character actors make up quite an entertaining film about army life during peace time. Tab Hunter gives a plausible performance as Andy Sheaffer, jilted boyfriend of Natalie wood's character Susan, who joins the army after flunking out of college. He has commitment issues with his girl friend as well as the army. Although he shows some promise, he feels disdain toward authority of any kind. Fans of Bill Murray's Stripes may see some similarities in this film. Particularly the fight scene between Shaeffer and his platoon Sgt. played by great character actor Murray Hamilton. Look for an early performance by James Garner as a bunkmate along with Jim Backus,Alan King and David Janssen. Directed by David Butler.

This is a very entertaining drama/comedy about a young man who flunked out of college and ran his only remaining option - the Army. Andy Schaeffer had not yet cut the silver string to his mother, yet he pictured himself as the picture of independence. His most difficult transition into Army life is presented in alternating serious and highly humorous veins. Filmed at Fort Ord, California, this picture featured a number of future stars, such as James Garner, David Janssen, Jim Backus, Tab Hunter, Natalie Wood, Alan King, and others. This will really spark the interest - and nostalgia - of any man who ever went through basic training, in any service. Well worth watching, and owning!

In a typical American town, handsome healthy Tab Hunker (as Andrew "Andy" L. Sheaffer) plays college football during the day, and dates kissable Natalie Wood (as Susan Daniels) at night. For cash, Mr. Hunter charms fawning mother Jessie Royce Landis (as Madeline). Hunter remains in college to avoid the draft, which Ms. Wood tells him means he's "insolent." She is working her way through school. Wood feels Hunter has no sense of responsibility, getting through life on his charm and good looks. She loves him, but returns his pin. This separation causes Hunter to flunk out of college, and he is drafted. In US Army training at Fort Ord, California, the film's narrator says Hunter works on his muscle tone - which doesn't appear to need much refining...

Hunter turns his head and coughs, hops on one foot, and does sit-ups. After three days of training, Sgt. Murray Hamilton (as Clyde) shouts at Hunter, "Suck that fat civilian belly in!" But, Hunter never looked fat at all. He meets fellow recruits Henry Jones (as Hanson), Alan King (as Maguire), and James Garner (as Preston); they have a good attitude about the military, but Hunter remains cocky. Sgt. Jim Backus (as Hanna) wants Hunter to grown up; he lets him know Wood stopped by to visit, but was accosted by Captain David Janssen (as Genaro). Writer Guy Trosper fashioned a decades-old formula (the arrogant youth in the military) picture for Hunter and Warner Bros. He is helped by a fun supporting cast, especially the drilling and winking Mr. Hamilton.

****** The Girl He Left Behind (10/26/56) David Butler ~ Tab Hunter, Natalie Wood, Murray Hamilton, Jessie Royce Landis

I saw this movie the week that I returned home from South Viet Nam. I have attempted to purchase a copy of the move; however, no one seems to have any knowledge of how I can get a copy of the movie. I can not find it in Cerritos, California. I would highly, recommend the movie to any movie buff who wishes to just enjoy a good movie without blood and violence. Tab Hunter is an excellent actor and he plays this role of a young man who does not desire to remain in the army perfectly. His immature love for his girlfriend is excellent for thought provoking material. The military life is portrayed in a realistic manner. This movie will aid any young man who is currently in the military in making the adjustment from civilian to military life.

College student Andy Shaeffer (Tab Hunter) is the all-American football hero. He's avoiding the draft and lives carefree off his mother's money. His girlfriend Susan Daniels (Natalie Wood) is annoyed at his spoiled demeanor and wonders how he would support her if they are to be married. They have a fight and he joins the army. Boot camp is too hard and he refuses to fall in line.

Neither Andy nor Susan are appealing character. I'm watching this for Natalie Wood. I'm not impressed with Tab Hunter. He reminds me of Dolph Lundgren without the charisma. The character is annoying but the actor has no life. Honestly, they're not good as individuals and they're not good together. The mother is annoying although she has a hilarious section on the base. I'm not sure why anyone would be rooting for any of them. He could have been a Rebel without a Cause but he's not anywhere near that neighborhood. Even the big action scene makes little sense. It makes little sense that the men would go hide in the tank. Once there, they are safer inside the tank than running around outside. The change is abrupt and lacking in character growth. One minute, he's one character and another minute, he's the complete opposite. I guess this is a recruitment movie for the military who can straighten up your slacker sons. It's not good one.

Pretty decent film all around. Always good to watch Tab Hunter in his earlier stuff. Not exactly how the military would put up with a rich brat, but that's Hollywood for you.

Also, great seeing Natalie Wood in anything she was ever in, loved her! And nice to see James Garner in his very early stuff, may they all rest in peace. A film to watch for all 3 actors and worth seeing at least once.

I only watched because I adore Natalie Wood. It turns out she was the only bright spot in the movie. The Mom was very funny and uncomfortably overbearing. As for Tab Hunter he was so wooden it was hard to watch.

This has gotta be the inspiration for Stripes. The setup involves a going nowhere ingrate loser who ends up at basic training with a bunch of other misfits and under the direction of a bunch of army clowns.

There are so many scenes that have direct analogues that I have to believe the pitch meeting to the studios was to remake this movie with the red-hot Bill Murray, who insisted Harold Ramis be brought on board to make it a zany service comedy. Watch them back to back and you will see what I mean.

Tab Hunter, Alan King, Henry Jones, James Garner became Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, John Candy, Judge Reinhold, John Diehl, et al. Murray Hamilton has the Warren Oates role. David Janssen has the John Laroquette part. Natalie Wood as the love interest exists only to be on the movie poster, as far as I can see, whereas PJ Soles and Sean Young are more integral to Stripes.

Here's the problem. Harold Ramis was arguably the greatest film comedy writer of his or any generation. Whereas this movie was written by somebody whose sense of humor was as dry as the old man's martinis. Compounding the problem, Tab Hunter in the lead is a charmless, spoiled, middle-class suburban white boy. Whereas Bill Murray's John Winger is a charming, slovenly, loveable loser. Frankly, I think he's the greatest comedy movie character of the past 50 years.

As a standalone movie, this is painfully unfunny. But as a companion piece to one of the funniest movies of all time, I'm glad I caught it on TCM.

Tab Hunter is awful here, and the writing might be worse! There is nothing amusing in this so-called comedy, just several characters who need to be punched in the mouth!

Natalie Wood looked like she was scared to death in every scene, not that it mattered!

The Henry Jones character is idiotic on every level, since he looks to be nearly 50 years old.

Not a single laugh in the whole movie!

Terrible movie; don't bother!

It is quite amazing that a film with this many good actors could be as dull as it turns out to be. The only really passionate moment seems to be when Tab Hunter kisses his movie mother Jessie Royce Landis 'goodbye' as he heads out to go into the Army (not, as you would expect, when he has his arms around adorable Natalie Wood). Since David Janssen and James Garner were actually Army vets, they must have been astounded at the way Hunter's character is portrayed as being allowed to mouth off to superiors without consequence. Even I, when I worked for the Department of the Army as a civilian, if I had shown such an attitude to the ranking officers, would have had my behind bouncing down the sidewalk to the unemployment office. The theme seems to be about what does it take to make a boy become a man but it's done in such a perfunctory manner, it is, as the vernacular of the late 1950's would say, Dullsville.

.....then by all means let me know directly at the above e-mail address so that I may arrange for a copy for you. This winning military "dramedy" stars the never-lovelier Natalie Wood as the titular dish waiting back home for her college-flunkie boyfriend (and barracks brat) Tab Hunter to smarten up and get a life in the army. Among the many highlights are some meaty set-pieces pitting n'er-do-well Hunter against his superior officers, all played with gusto by Murray Hamilton, Jim Backus and David Janssen (while Henry Jones and Alan King deliver equally fine turns as Hunter's pals. Look for James Garner, too). Action, comedy and emotional resonance in equal measures in a true classic of its kind that unfortunately never got its due. Worth repeat viewings if only to behold Ms. Wood's unique incandescence at its peak.

The title of this film was probably designed to draw in teens who might want to see another romance starring Natalie Wood and Tab Hunter. The film has two taglines. One of them is "A couple of teenagers and their kiss-and-run battle!" However, the other tagline is more appropriate: "It's the Big Happy Look at the New-Look Peace-Time Army!" In truth, this is another of those "recruiting ad" films that were made with the blessings of the U.S. military.

The story does start with the relationship between Andy Shaeffer (Hunter) and Susan Daniels (Wood)--a strikingly good-looking college couple. He sponges off his mother and she holds down a job while attending school. He picks her up at her answering service job, then they go to the local burger drive-in and "inspiration point", where she berates him for his lack of ambition.

All the while, a voice-over narrates the action. You can tell it's meant to be a comedy by his tone. In fact, the narrator is Daws Butler, the voice of Huckleberry Hound and countless other cartoon characters.

Before you know it, Andy is drafted (in peacetime) because of the various flaws in his nature, and the army makes a responsible citizen of him.

There are many notable actors in this film, some who are rather new to the big screen. Although Natalie was a veteran, Tab was a relative newcomer, but ready for the studio's star treatment. The two of them had just filmed "The Burning Hills" and demonstrated some chemistry, but they probably would have been paired in this film regardless.

James Garner--a newcomer--plays one of Andy's fellow soldiers. So does veteran actor Henry Jones, who had just filmed his amazing performance in "The Bad Seed", which had probably not yet made its impact. Newcomer Alan King also shares the same barracks. Veterans David Jansen and Jim Backus play superior officers. Backus had just starred with Natalie in "Rebel Without a Cause" the previous year.

Andy's stint in the army is troubled, but the army in this film is kinder and gentler, and this is a comedy, right? So one scene is adequate to tame Andy's inner demons and he transforms (by the good graces of Army training) into a believer.

If you can tolerate the message of this film, it is worth watching just to see the two stars and the others who will have very successful careers of their own.