Something For The Boys (1944)

Something For The Boys - 1944

Today's film comes in the form of 1944's "Something For The Boys", starring Carmen Miranda, Michael O'Shea, and Vivian Blaine.  In this movie, three cousins inherit a dilapidated southern plantation.  They make it a home for army wives and get set for some crazy happenings as the army takes over.

The film's supporting players include Phil Silvers, Sheila Ryan, Perry Como, Glenn Langan, Judy Holliday, and Clarence Kolb.

The film begins with the introduction of three cousins: Harry, Blossom, and Chiquita.  Harry is a hosiery salesman.

Blossom is a showgirl, singing the theme song from the film "Something For The Boys".

And Chiquita works in a defense plant.  She's unique in the group in that she can hear the radio playing when no one else can, on account of the carborundum that she's inhaled from the plant.

The three find out they've inherited a southern estate, Magnolia Manor, from their uncle.  All three hasten to find out what kind of shape it's in and what kind of money he's left them.  They arrive sorely disappointed.

They place has been sadly neglected.  Instead of human inhabitants, the old plantation house is the residence of a host of termites and pigeons.  Chiquita sums it up when she says, "What a letsdown.  I think I'm going to be Southern belle, and I get sold down the river."

The three cousins eventually decide to let it be a home for army wives.  The G.I.'s volunteer to fix the place up.

Blossom falls in love with Sgt. Rocky Fulton (O'Shea).  Both have previous show business experience and get the idea to put on a show to help raise the money to keep the place going.

At the end of a long day of working, the army boys relax with their wives as Sgt. Laddie Green (Perry Como) sings "I Wish We Didn't Have To Say Goodnight".

He sings the song while rounding the boys up to go home.

The transformation of Magnolia Manor is nothing short of miraculous.  It hardly looks like the same place.

Even the inside is completely transformed.

Blossom opens the show with "Eighty Miles Outside of Atlanta".  Sgt. Laddie Green also sings "In The Middle of Nowhere" during the show.

Of course, Chiquita (with the Banda da Lua) sing a rousing number entitled "Batuca Nega".

It adds a definite South American flavor to the show.

The next day, some of the single soldiers get in trouble for spending all night at the house.  They were gambling in an upstairs room and lost track of the time.

The Colonel declares that Magnolia Manor is off limits to all military personnel.

A funny scene occurs when Melanie (an old girlfriend of Rocky's) appears and demands everyone wait on her hand and foot.  Blossom and Chiquita give her a taste of her own medicine when they introduce her to some of Harry's "improvements".  Melanie's appearance also causes tension for Blossom and Rocky.

During war maneuvers, Rocky is captured and held a prisoner at Magnolia Manor by the opposing side.  To help him, Harry rigs up Chiquita's tooth so that she can send as well as receive messages to Rocky's garrison.  She isn't at all sure Harry knows what he's doing.  Harry bangs out a message in Morse Code on a metal lid on top of Chiquita's head.  "With all this knockin', somebody better be home!" she says.

Of course, everything works out and Magnolia Manor is declared "on limits" again after the intervention of Chiquita with the Colonel, who fell under her charms.

Another huge party is held.  Chiquita sings another number "Samba-Boogie".

Of course, everything turns out all right in the love department as well.  Rocky and Blossom resolving any differences they might have had.

Cast rundown:

   Carmen Miranda.................................Chiquita Hart

   Michael O'Shea...................................Sgt. Rocky Fulton

   Vivian Blaine......................................Blossom Hart

   Phil Silvers.........................................Harry Hart

   Sheila Ryan........................................Melanie Walker

   Perry Como........................................Sgt. Laddie Green

   Glenn Langan.....................................Lt. Ashley Crothers

   Judy Holliday......................................Defense Plant Worker

   Clarence Kolb.....................................Colonel Grubbs

And that's all for Something For The Boys.  It's a light-hearted film that's sure to put a smile on your face.  For your viewing pleasure, you can watch the full film below.

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