We've Never Been Licked

Typical WWII tear jerker. If you are part of the generation that came of age around that era you'll still get some goosebumps when you see it even though it is really quite corny. I just wished I knew when it was ever going to be on TV again so I could tape it.

The first half of the film concerns the awesomeness of Texas A&M University as we see cocky new student Brad (Richard Quine) arrive on campus and immediately alienate everyone with his terrible personality. Even his roommate Cyanide Jenkins (Noah Beery Jr.) has trouble putting up with Brad until the newcomer is taught some humility. Brad and Cyanide are also both in love with the same girl, professor's daughter Nina (Anne Gwynne). The second half of the movie gets even sillier as Brad deals with evil Japanese agents on campus.

This is a cheesy military school drama that hits most of the usual marks in that kind of story. The second half involving various espionage shenanigans is more entertaining but no less ridiculous. Quine is just terrible, unlikable and irritating. Mitchum's role as a hardcase upperclassman is larger than many he was getting at the time. Cliff Robertson appears in his film debut.

This World War II propaganda film is not to be missed. As one of my father's friends described it: "The other night I saw this crazy movie about an Aggie kamakazie..."

Well the plot is odd, set at Texas A&M College (Whoop!). You have to see this movie at the Grove, on campus in the summertime to really get the full effect. Audience participation is essential.

It is a classic of sorts, along with the Victory at Sea series, this belongs in a time capsule about political incorrectness. Still, it's fun to see Robert Mitchum playing his minor part. The voice will grab you anyway. Fun stuff from a bygone era. The closing scene is worth waiting for.

There was a time when everyone in the United States was truly "united" following the attack on Pearl Harbor, there was no doubt about what had to be done, and the military might of the U.S. was there to do the job. In the wake of 9-11, there was another groundswell of patriotic feeling, but over time we have forgotten how priceless are our freedoms and how they have been protected over the years. This film reminds the history student (or anyone who has listened to their ancestors) of how real a threat can be. Cadet Craig, for reasons of nobility and integrity, sacrificed himself and his reputation for his country, his family and his alma mater. Who would do such a thing today? Maybe the first responders on 9-11; the threat in 1942 was real, the threat in the 21st century is real. This film reminds us of heroes, and duty, and country. It is well worth your time. Not the best acting, or the best story or the best filmography, but you are free to choose.

A bit of trivia, my mother was enrolled at Texas Women's College when this movies was filmed. Many Texas Women's College girls appeared in the dance scene in Sbisa, but because the female lead was wearing a light colored dress and all the girls in lighter colors were left out and they had to remove their shoes to not interfere with the sound recording.

And it wasn't Victor Mature claiming it was his worst film on Johnny Carson Tonight Show. Noah Beery would go on to star in the Rockford Files. I forget what the deal with the Japanese was. I personally like the remake with Robert DeNiro better even tough I can't stand him as a person.