THIS IS THE ARMY

US, 1943, 121 minutes, Colour.
George Murphy, Joan Leslie, Irving Berlin, George Tobias, Alan Hale, Rosemary de Camp, Dolores Costello, Kate Smith, Frances Langford, Ronald Reagan, Joe Louis.
Directed by Michael Curtiz.

This Is The Army is one of the many musical flagwavers of the mid-40s, produced by the major studios to be morale-boosters for the American public as well as for the armed services personnel. Warner Bros. made Stage Door Canteen, Thank Your Lucky Stars. M.G.M. made Thousands Cheer. Paramount made Duffy's Tavern and Star Spangled Rhythin.

The film is based on two musical shows by Irving Berlin. One was Yip Yip Yaphank from the first world war and This is the Army from World War 2. Berlin's songs and the staging of these and the choreography are the main staple of the film. It includes such favourites as 'How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning' (reprised at the end of the film by Berlin himself), 'This is the Army' and has Kate Smith singing 'God Bless America,' a song which Berlin gave to Kate Smith in the '30s.

Direction is by Michael Curtiz, better known as a director of action adventures like The Adventures of Robin Hood and as the Oscar-winning director of Casablanca. However, he was to make many musicals in the late '40s and '50s, especially with Doris Day.

The cast is led by George Murphy, who appears in the World War I show with his customary genial tapdancing. The focus of the World War 2 section is Lieutenant Ronald Reagan (even with a scene which has them going to Washington and a character remarking to Reagan how wonderful it would be if the President, the Chief were to come!) Roosevelt appears at a staging of This Is The Army.

The rest of the cast are veterans from Warner Bros at this period, including Alan Hale, George Tobias.

The slender plot has World War I recruitment and a song and dance manplayed by George Murphy, being called up. There is enthusiasm for the war effort and going 'over there'. There is the usual boot camp toughness led by Alan Hale, the putting on-of the show for morale purposes, the armistice and the grief for so many dead.

There is a parallel then with the next generation in World War II, focusing on whether Ronald Reagan and Joan Leslie should get married or not before he goes to war. She eventually Joins UD as a Red Cross aide and they marry. There is a new putting on a show and the lavish spectacle (even with a row of ladies of the chorus with the army impersonating them, -'including Alan Hale).

There are lofty sentiments about the war, giving life for country, the sadness of the older women and the younger boys as they look at the veterans going to war. The film is very dated now - but gives a very good impression of the spirit in America during World War II. It is also a valuable tribute to Irving Berlin and his music.