Search - Swing It, Sailor on DVD

"Gobs" of Naval fun

Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 03/31/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm no expert on 1930s war machinery, but if we are to believe Naval stock footage included in GRAND NATIONAL's SWING IT, SAILOR (1938), both single wing type and biplanes were launched from pre-WWII aircraft carriers. An exercise with air-deployed explosives provides this story's most dramatic moment.

SYNOPSIS--
Pete Kelly (Wallace Ford) and his musclebound friend Husky Stone (Ray Mayer) are Seamen 2nd Class. Pete likes to con Husky into doing his work assignments, frequently borrows cash from the good-natured lug, and when his pal gets romantically involved on shore leaves, Pete finds ways to put the kibosh on things. Thus the main element of this film.

The somewhat naïve Husky wants to marry Myrtle Montrose (Isabel Jewell), a gal who collects mens' hearts like so many charms on a wrist bracelet. For once Pete's interference may be a good thing, but when Myrtle realizes what he's doing, she tries to force Pete to marry her by threatening to tell Husky how he's being betrayed. This could be hazardous for Pete's health, as an angry Husky might pound him to dust.

Husky does indeed learn from Mrytle of Pete's interloping and their friendship seems irretrievably broken. Further, his plans to reenlist have changed, which will leave Pete without a best buddy.

The two are part of a group sent to patch leaks in a decommissioned WWI destroyer that's target for aerial torpedoes and bombs. All but Husky exit the vessel before manuevers recommence. The evacuating boat's pilot refuses to reenter a target zone with bombs falling. What ever will Pete do to save Husky's life?


ALPHA VIDEO offers bargain priced, often hard-to-find vintage movies that are ideal for those willing to skip DVD extras. Their transfers show no evidence of restoration, so quality varies from one title to the next, with "fair to good" being the average.

Related ALPHA item:
Just before "Swing it, Sailor," Wallace Ford starred in the Oriental-flavored comedy, EXILED TO SHANGHAI. Cast includes BLONDIE's Arthur Lake and Jonathan Hale, plus Dean Jagger and Sid Saylor."