Sergeant Eustis Clay (Steve McQueen) is a scheming operator always working on a deal. Master Sergeant Maxwell Slaughter (Jackie Gleason) is a army lifer who actually likes the hustler Clay. Magee (Tom Poston) is their idiot Lieutenant. Private Jerry Meltzer (Tony Bill) is Clay's idiot sidekick. MP Sgt. James Priest (Ed Nelson) tries to frame Clay. Clay sets up Slaughter with the ditsy Bobbi Jo Pepperdine (Tuesday Weld) to lure him into civilian life. She hates him initially but quickly changes her mind.
This movie depends heavily on the chemistry between McQueen and Gleason. They're both playing against type here. Gleason is the serious soldier and McQueen is trying hard to play for laughs. McQueen isn't terribly funny but their chemistry works. The standout is Tuesday Weld who does a compelling Monroe imitation with an emotional center. There are some poignant moments with a few light laughs.
This movie depends heavily on the chemistry between McQueen and Gleason. They're both playing against type here. Gleason is the serious soldier and McQueen is trying hard to play for laughs. McQueen isn't terribly funny but their chemistry works. The standout is Tuesday Weld who does a compelling Monroe imitation with an emotional center. There are some poignant moments with a few light laughs.