I'm sorry, but even a musical with stars like FRED ASTAIRE and RITA HAYWORTH ought to have a plot. What little plot this one has is enough to drive you nuts. None of the comedy seems a bit believable, especially once Astaire joins the Army and gets into trouble with all of his Army buddies. It's just one stale joke after another and none of the service humor comes off as the least bit amusing--irritating is more like it.
However, the musical sequences save the picture from being a complete zero in the entertainment department. Whether dancing alone or with Rita, Astaire shows that he is a master of his trade. And Rita, still with dark hair before she became more famous as a red-head, flashes that smile and puts her lush body into some torrid dance routines that show why she would soon be labeled "The Love Goddess" by the Hollywood press.
ROBERT BENCHLEY has some lame comedy moments, and JOHN HUBBARD and OSA MASSEN are pleasant enough in supporting roles, as is DONALD MacBRIDE as an exasperated Top Sergeant--an exasperation that's sure to be shared by the audience at certain cringe inducing moments.
However, the musical sequences save the picture from being a complete zero in the entertainment department. Whether dancing alone or with Rita, Astaire shows that he is a master of his trade. And Rita, still with dark hair before she became more famous as a red-head, flashes that smile and puts her lush body into some torrid dance routines that show why she would soon be labeled "The Love Goddess" by the Hollywood press.
ROBERT BENCHLEY has some lame comedy moments, and JOHN HUBBARD and OSA MASSEN are pleasant enough in supporting roles, as is DONALD MacBRIDE as an exasperated Top Sergeant--an exasperation that's sure to be shared by the audience at certain cringe inducing moments.