This is certainly not Martin & Lewis' best film outing. Far from it. The plot is simple -- Lewis (a civilian) is pressured to help put on a stage show for paratroopers, but then has to remain in the army or face being shot as a spy who sneaked on base. This is more Jerry Lewis' film than Dean Martin's, but I couldn't help but think as the film progressed, that had you taken Dean out of all the scenes, what would be left? Mugging. In fact, that's about all Jerry Lewis does in this film --muggs and makes obnoxious noises.
Dean has a couple of good numbers. "The Parachute Jump" didn't rate a Capitol recording, but it's a nice production number and Dean does it well (and why wasn't it recorded on Capitol? It's not a love song!). Similarly, "The Big Blue Sky" is another militarily-themed production number, not suitable for a Capitol release, but features a rather nice vocal performance by Dean. "I Know A Dream When I See One" is a more traditional love song by Dean. And "Keep A Little Dream Handy" is a nice Martin & Lewis duet.
Both Dean and Jerry pretty much follow their film traditions here. Dean is clearly the straight man, while Jerry does far too much mugging. Robert Strauss was probably born to play an army sergeant, and he's entertaining to watch. Other supporting actors include Don DeFore (9 years before his best known role in television's "Hazel"). It's nice to see Ray Teal, so often a supporting actor in Westerns (and in "Bonanza" as the sheriff).
Parts of the movie were filmed at Fort Benning in Georgia, and you can learn a bit about paratroopers and their training in the somewhat silly film action. All in all, this may be Martin & Lewis's most forgettable film. Probably more for the audiences of the early 50s than today.
Dean has a couple of good numbers. "The Parachute Jump" didn't rate a Capitol recording, but it's a nice production number and Dean does it well (and why wasn't it recorded on Capitol? It's not a love song!). Similarly, "The Big Blue Sky" is another militarily-themed production number, not suitable for a Capitol release, but features a rather nice vocal performance by Dean. "I Know A Dream When I See One" is a more traditional love song by Dean. And "Keep A Little Dream Handy" is a nice Martin & Lewis duet.
Both Dean and Jerry pretty much follow their film traditions here. Dean is clearly the straight man, while Jerry does far too much mugging. Robert Strauss was probably born to play an army sergeant, and he's entertaining to watch. Other supporting actors include Don DeFore (9 years before his best known role in television's "Hazel"). It's nice to see Ray Teal, so often a supporting actor in Westerns (and in "Bonanza" as the sheriff).
Parts of the movie were filmed at Fort Benning in Georgia, and you can learn a bit about paratroopers and their training in the somewhat silly film action. All in all, this may be Martin & Lewis's most forgettable film. Probably more for the audiences of the early 50s than today.