atlasmb The title of this film was probably designed to draw in teens who might want to see another romance starring Natalie Wood and Tab Hunter. The film has two taglines. One of them is "A couple of teenagers and their kiss-and-run battle!" However, the other tagline is more appropriate: "It's the Big Happy Look at the New-Look Peace-Time Army!" In truth, this is another of those "recruiting ad" films that were made with the blessings of the U.S. military.The story does start with the relationship between Andy Shaeffer (Hunter) and Susan Daniels (Wood)--a strikingly good-looking college couple. He sponges off his mother and she holds down a job while attending school. He picks her up at her answering service job, then they go to the local burger drive-in and "inspiration point", where she berates him for his lack of ambition.All the while, a voice-over narrates the action. You can tell it's meant to be a comedy by his tone. In fact, the narrator is Daws Butler, the voice of Huckleberry Hound and countless other cartoon characters.Before you know it, Andy is drafted (in peacetime) because of the various flaws in his nature, and the army makes a responsible citizen of him.There are many notable actors in this film, some who are rather new to the big screen. Although Natalie was a veteran, Tab was a relative newcomer, but ready for the studio's star treatment. The two of them had just filmed "The Burning Hills" and demonstrated some chemistry, but they probably would have been paired in this film regardless.James Garner--a newcomer--plays one of Andy's fellow soldiers. So does veteran actor Henry Jones, who had just filmed his amazing performance in "The Bad Seed", which had probably not yet made its impact. Newcomer Alan King also shares the same barracks. Veterans David Jansen and Jim Backus play superior officers. Backus had just starred with Natalie in "Rebel Without a Cause" the previous year. Andy's stint in the army is troubled, but the army in this film is kinder and gentler, and this is a comedy, right? So one scene is adequate to tame Andy's inner demons and he transforms (by the good graces of Army training) into a believer.If you can tolerate the message of this film, it is worth watching just to see the two stars and the others who will have very successful careers of their own.

george_cherucheril I watched the first 45 minutes or so of this movie. Watching classic movies is fun because you get to see many actors who you are familiar with from later works in their lives. There are many fine supporting actors in this movie. The obvious problem rests with the lead Tab Hunter who cannot act.I thought the scene where Hunter's character undergoes his physical for the military was funny and gay themed. I am sure the gay crowd loved this scene watching bare chested Tab parade around in his underwear in line with other young men in similar attire. Then comes the best line when Tab sits shirtless behind a desk and the military interviewer asks him if he likes women. Considering that Tab is gay in real life and was pretending to be straight in 1956 this is funny.Tab was a good looking young man who had gay friends in powerful positions and that is probably how he got the lead in this movie. The poor guy could not act worth a whit at least not in 1956!

thomas_tate1950 A lot of fine character actors make up quite an entertaining film about army life during peace time. Tab Hunter gives a plausible performance as Andy Sheaffer, jilted boyfriend of Natalie wood's character Susan, who joins the army after flunking out of college. He has commitment issues with his girl friend as well as the army. Although he shows some promise, he feels disdain toward authority of any kind. Fans of Bill Murray's Stripes may see some similarities in this film. Particularly the fight scene between Shaeffer and his platoon Sgt. played by great character actor Murray Hamilton. Look for an early performance by James Garner as a bunkmate along with Jim Backus,Alan King and David Janssen. Directed by David Butler.

gwbriggs This is a very entertaining drama/comedy about a young man who flunked out of college and ran his only remaining option - the Army. Andy Schaeffer had not yet cut the silver string to his mother, yet he pictured himself as the picture of independence. His most difficult transition into Army life is presented in alternating serious and highly humorous veins. Filmed at Fort Ord, California, this picture featured a number of future stars, such as James Garner, David Janssen, Jim Backus, Tab Hunter, Natalie Wood, Alan King, and others. This will really spark the interest - and nostalgia - of any man who ever went through basic training, in any service. Well worth watching, and owning!