This Is the Army (1943) | Directed by Michael Curtiz

Directed by Michael Curtiz, "This Is the Army" (1943) is a wartime musical film that originated as a Broadway musical with the same title, conceived by Irving Berlin. The film is a unique blend of entertainment and patriotism, telling the story of a group of soldiers who stage a musical revue to raise funds for the war effort during World War II.

The narrative follows Jerry Jones, portrayed by George Murphy, a Broadway producer who joins the Army during World War I and later organizes a military musical revue featuring soldiers. The film seamlessly weaves together musical numbers, comedy, and drama, offering a heartfelt tribute to the men and women in uniform.

Patriotic Sentiment: "This Is the Army" is unabashedly patriotic, reflecting the wartime spirit of unity and support for the troops. The film serves as both entertainment for the home front and a morale booster for the soldiers on the front lines.

Musical Extravaganza: The film showcases Irving Berlin's musical prowess with a series of lively and memorable musical numbers. The inclusion of real soldiers in the cast adds authenticity to the performances, creating a unique and engaging experience.

Multigenerational Story: The narrative spans two wars, offering a multigenerational perspective on the impact of wartime service. The parallel stories of the father (Jerry Jones) and son (Johnny Jones, played by Ronald Reagan) add depth to the film, emphasizing the continuity of sacrifice across generations.

Celebrity Appearances: "This Is the Army" features cameo appearances by several celebrities of the time, including Kate Smith, a popular singer known for her patriotic songs. These appearances not only added star power to the film but also reinforced the sense of national unity.

Military Inclusivity: The film is notable for its inclusivity, featuring a racially integrated cast at a time when segregation was prevalent in the military. This aspect contributes to the film's broader message of unity and equality.

Emotional Resonance: Amid the entertainment and musical numbers, the film doesn't shy away from addressing the personal sacrifices of soldiers and the emotional toll of war. The characters' relationships and experiences provide a poignant backdrop to the overall narrative.

Box Office Success: "This Is the Army" was a commercial success, both as a Broadway musical and a film. Its popularity reflected the public's hunger for uplifting and patriotic content during the challenging wartime period.

In conclusion, "This Is the Army" stands as a unique and influential wartime musical that successfully blends entertainment with a heartfelt tribute to the armed forces. Michael Curtiz's direction, coupled with Irving Berlin's musical compositions and the film's overall patriotic fervor, contributes to its enduring legacy as a cinematic celebration of unity and resilience during wartime.

Stars:
George Murphy as Jerry Jones
Joan Leslie as Eileen Dibble
George Tobias as Maxie
Alan Hale as Sergeant McGee
Irene Manning as Vivian
Ronald Reagan as Johnny Jones
Kate Smith as Kate Smith