mark.waltz Taking on a man's job as radio DJ, future camp movie musical star Annie Miller moves from supporting roles to leading lady and Columbia's big song and dance girl in this war collection of specialties by some of the hottest acts of the time. Ann Miller would go on to greater things years later at MGM and of course on Broadway, but her charm and innocence made for a fine second string lead at Columbia studios where, while no threat to Rita Hayworth or Jean Arthur, was definitely one of their top attractions.This is 75% music and 25% plot, but what is inside the shell is quite superb. Even Frank Sinatra pops up to sing Night and Day, and there's also Bob Crosby, the Mills Brothers and a novelty song called Cow Cow boogie witch has a music video out there somewhere involving cows lip syncing to the song heard here. It's a shame though that what was obviously a sound, or essentially an early music video, wasn't utilized in this movie because of the original songs, it is the most well remembered.Look sharp for Irene Ryan as Miller's co-worker who gets in a few funny Libes. Franklin Pangborn sneers hysterically at cracks for being a decade out of step with the times and the Radio Rogues, sometimes annoying, are amusing with their selections of imitations. Of course, this wouldn't be a successful World War II musical without the obligatory patriotic finale, and this is where Annie breaks out in tap shoes which she would later utilize with great abandon and in Technicolor, and sometimes backwards as well wearing high heels at MGM.

JasonLeeSmith From around the time Europe began fighting World War II, until the war's end, Hollywood (with significant prodding from the government) made tons of movies which were designed to try and get young men to enlist in the Army, by making the life of a serviceman appear "cool." This is by far the sloppiest, implying that the life of a soldier is devoid of work, you get the best food, and you get to lie around all day listening to Ann Miller on the radio. I am far too young to have participated in WWII, but I think that there was more to it than that. There is the barest cat's whisker of a plot, and a bunch of musical numbers featuring some of the day's leading acts.I think that by 1943, even the most naive of civvies knew that there was more going on overseas than the wacky hijinks portrayed in this movie. While I am sure that it was meant to be viewed as escapist entertainment, I can't help but wonder if the family and loved ones of men fighting in the war, were amused or repulsed by this trivialization of their loved ones' sacrifice.

Neil Doyle Built around a thin plot which serves as an excuse to parade a bunch of then current pop bands, singers and comedy acts, this little programmer from Columbia spotlights ANN MILLER in the central role as a disc jockey who directs her show at the U.S. Armed Services.She gets involved with two young soldiers--WILLIAM WRIGHT (who resembles John Carroll) and DICK PURCELL, has frequent disagreements with her radio boss, and ends up as the feature attraction in a service show where she displays her tap-dancing skills. The plot, almost non-existent, serves as a prop to show some of the performers whose records she plays for the soldiers--including Count Basie, Duke Wellington, Frank Sinatra, Bob Crosby, The Radio Rogues and The Mills Brothers.In a strictly subordinate role is LARRY PARKS, only a few years away from stardom in "The Jolson Story", but here a virtual unknown as a fellow soldier. IRENE RYAN has a small role as a ditsy secretary.The acts are standard stuff, except for singer FRANK SINATRA who does a standout job on "Night and Day" and performs before the camera with remarkable ease and poise a few years before becoming a major film star.Pleasant WWII musical gets a lift from the musical numbers, but it's strictly second-rate as a substantial musical.

kdafe The plot lines are thin, but what carries this movie is the music. It is a wartime movie, from a time when people felt more patriotic, so if that isn't your cup of tea then skip this one. If you have no problem with wartime movies and swing/big band music, then you're in for a treat. I caught myself sitting back and tapping my feet to this gem. Even a glimpse of some of the greats like, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, the oh so young Frank Sinatra and the Mills Brothers is a good thing! Also, watch for Irene Ryan, better known for her role as Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies.