The Admiral Was a Lady (Romantic comedy, 1950)

The Admiral Was a Lady is a romantic comedy with a screwball twist, typical of early 1950s B-movies. It blends lighthearted romance, witty banter, and a touch of post-war social commentary about veterans adjusting to civilian life. The pacing is brisk, and the humor leans on clever dialogue rather than slapstick, giving it a breezy, feel-good vibe.
Plot
The story follows Jean Madison (Wanda Hendrix), a former WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) officer nicknamed “The Admiral” for her take-charge attitude during World War II. Now discharged, she’s jobless and searching for her fiancé, who’s gone AWOL from her life. Enter four ex-GIs—Jimmy (Edmond O’Brien), Mike (Steve Brodie), Eddie (Richard Erdman), and Ollie (Rudy Vallée)—who’ve mastered the art of avoiding work by gaming the unemployment system. They spot Jean at a train station and, smitten by her spunk (and her predicament), decide to “help” her while dodging their own responsibilities.
The plot kicks into gear when the guys learn Jean’s fiancé, Peter Pedigrew (Johnny Sands), is due to inherit a fortune but has vanished. They concoct a scheme to reunite the couple, partly out of kindness and partly to keep their carefree lifestyle afloat. Complications pile up: a private detective (Fred Essler) hired by Peter’s rich aunt (Hillary Brooke) suspects Jean’s a gold-digger, and the boys’ half-baked plans—like posing as detectives or staging a fake rescue—unravel hilariously. Along the way, Jimmy falls for Jean, sparking a love triangle that resolves with her choosing him over Peter in a sweet, predictable finish. It’s a romp about loyalty, love, and outsmarting the system, wrapped in a 1950s bow.
Cast
Edmond O’Brien as Jimmy: The charming, quick-witted leader of the ex-GI pack. O’Brien, fresh off noir hits like D.O.A. (1950), plays it lighter here with a roguish grin.

Wanda Hendrix as Jean Madison: The plucky “Admiral,” bringing grit and heart. Hendrix, known for Prince of Foxes (1949), shines as the straight woman in the chaos.

Rudy Vallée as Ollie: A crooner-turned-comic-relief, Vallée adds old-school charm and a few musical moments, riffing on his 1930s fame.

Steve Brodie as Mike: The tough-talking sidekick, Brodie’s a noir regular (Out of the Past, 1947) dialing it down for laughs.

Richard Erdman as Eddie: The youngest GI, Erdman’s wide-eyed energy bounces off the veterans. He’d later pop up in Stalag 17 (1953).

Hillary Brooke as Shirley: The snooty aunt, delivering dry barbs. She’s a familiar face from Abbott and Costello flicks.