If you need a movie to brighten your spirits with laugh-out-loud moments, then please watch The Private Navy of Sgt. O’Farrell. I’ve watched this movie many times, and this beer-seeking adventure is a romp.


The Plot

Bob Hope is Master Sgt. Dan O’Farrell, an “army man” who puts the welfare of his men before his own needs. As the story begins, a Japanese torpedo sinks a cargo ship carrying the beer supply to Funapee island where O’Farrell and his fellow comrades are stationed. The navy is also on the island, and O’Farrell enlists the aid of navy man Lt. Jones (played by Jeffrey Hunter) to retrieve the beer from the bottom of the ocean. When O’Farrell manages to convince his superiors to send beautiful nurses to ease the men’s suffering over the loss of the beer, Phyllis Diller arrives as man-crazy Nurse Nellie Krause. Of course there is love in the wind in the form of Gina Lollobrigida as the gorgeous Maria. And always trying to scuttle everyone’s boat is Lt. Cmdr. Roger Snavely who despises drinking and rules with an iron fist and stern upper lip.

Do O’Farrell and his men find the beer? Will Snavely win the day and sour everyone’s plans? Does O’Farrell win the heart of Maria? Will desperate Nurse Nellie Krause find love? This hilarious movie answers all those questions and more, as this movie is filled with subplots and storylines that all find their way to a delightful conclusion.


The Major Players

Bob Hope (Master Sgt. Dan O’Farrell) – A man in love with the army and the lovely Maria. He’s only trying to do the right thing, but his best efforts raise even bigger problems. Bob Hope is famous for his years entertaining American troops during wartime as well as his many Road movies with Bing Crosby.

Jeffrey Hunter (Lt. Lyman P. Jones) – He’s always trying to find a way to surpass his famous ancestor John Paul Jones. Jeffrey Hunter played Captain Pike in the first Star Trek episode and has also starred in many movies such as Forbidden Planet.

Phyllis Diller (Nurse Nellie Krause) – A woman on the prowl for a man ... any man! Phyllis Diller is not only a wonderful comedian, but she is an accomplished pianist who has played with a hundred symphony orchestras.

Gina Lollobrigida (Maria) – Maria once turned down marriage with O’Farrell. Now they find each other again. Gina Lollobrigida has been a model, and a star in many films. She is also a photojournalist who has published several photography books.

Dick Sargent (Captain Elwood Prohaska) – The captain is writing a book about Sgt. O’Farrell. You might say O’Farrell’s antics are infamous. Dick Sargent was the first choice to play Darrin Stephens in the television comedy Bewitched, but a contract with Universal Studios prevented him from accepting the role.

John Myhers (Lt. Cmdr. Roger Snavely) – The villain of the movie, Snavely tries everything in his power to annoy everyone around him. No one will drink beer as long as Snavely is on the prowl, or will they? John Myhers has starred in many films, television shows and wrote, directed and stared in Broadway stage plays.


Extra Notes

This movie is directed by Frank Tashlin, who was once a cartoonist. He has written and directed many movies including The Paleface and The Son of Paleface, starring Bob Hope. Tashlin also wrote and directed several Jerry Lewis films such as Cinderfella and Who’s Minding the Store? as well as directed The Glass Bottom Boat starring Doris Day and Rod Taylor.


This DVD doesn’t come with many extras. The Bonus Features include:

* Full Scene Access
* Filmography
* Bob Hope Biography
* Interactive Menus


Summary

The Private Navy of Sgt. O’Farrell always brings smiles and laughter. This all-star cast works well together, and you can tell they are enjoying themselves while doing it. This wacky comedy is a keeper.

I hope you have found this review useful.

This review is part of the Lean-n-Mean-Two write off. You can view the rules and other participants here: Lean-n-Mean-Two Write Off.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Movie Specifications


Format: DVD
This DVD format is viewable in the U.S.A and Canada only
Not Rated
Color
ASIN # B00004YS77
Length: 92 Minutes
Cost: $5.99 at Walmart

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Copyright 2003 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD