Mister Gardenia Jones

For no appreciable reason other than some name players acted in it, Mister Gardenia Jones was nominated for Best Short Subject in 1941. It's a nice, but not terribly exciting promotion for the United Service Organization. Our men in uniform need a place to go and things to do when they're stationed far away at military posts is the message and the USO provides same.

Fay Bainter and Charles Winninger are the parents of a soldier who has been drafted and Laraine Day his girlfriend from next door and he writes of the loneliness and boredom when he's off duty.

But what really makes this short unique and historical is the presence of two US Presidents. One of course was Franklin D. Roosevelt present via some newsreel footage. The second was a guy who probably never dreamed he'd be president at that point in time. Ronald Reagan is in the title role and while he took top prize in politics, the Oscar this short was nominated for was the closest he'd come to one in his other profession. Ironic ain't it.

Just how many movies have you seen that feature Ronald Reagan in the shower? He is the eponymous "Deany" whose nickname is rather lengthily explained before we discover that he heard President Roosevelt on the wireless giving a foreboding speech and so joined up. He's posted to a small town where, alongside 19,999 others, he has nothing to do but kick his heels until he gets himself airborne and uses the Japanese as target practice. At least this propaganda effort has seen some effort gone into it. There is a story, there is even a script and in the end an appeal for the voluntary services organisation that need $32 millions to continue to provide essential entertainment for those training at home and fighting overseas. Basic but friendlier and less overtly jingoistic than many. A documentary, though? Hmmm!

On December 7, 1941 - according to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, "A date which will live in infamy!" - Lieutenant Ronald Reagan (as John "Mister Gardenia" Jones Jr.) finds himself stationed in Hawaii. His pretty sweetheart Laraine Day (as Joanne) helps mother Fay Bainter (as Emmy Jones) and father Charles Winninger (as John Jones Sr.) keep the home fires burning. They have a typical American home. Writer/narrator Carey Wilson explains how Mr. Reagan came to be called "Deany" (shortened from Gardenia). Reagan and his parents survive faltering patriotism, due to boredom; but, they rally 'round the flag when the Japanese attack. The USO (United Service Organizations) want you to support them by sending money for the war cause.

*** Mister Gardenia Jones (5/29/42) Carey Wilson ~ Ronald Reagan, Fay Bainter, Charles Winninger

A good curiosity piece is this wartime promotional short from MGM starring RONALD REAGAN in the title role. Why Reagan is doing this for MGM (rather than his home studio, Warner Brothers) is questionable. The fact that it's a pitch for people giving to the USO (so servicemen won't be bored with nothing to do) is probably the reason Reagan volunteered his services to another studio.

LARAINE DAY is his pretty hometown girlfriend, FAY BAINTER is his doting mother and CHARLES WINNINGER is Reagan's jovial father. For good measure, CHILL WILLS has a featured role.

This is a typical short feature shown as a part of double feature programs during the '40s. It's well-intentioned but comes across as rather weak stuff today.

There is not really a lot of substance to "Mister Gardenia Jones." In fact, it seems to be an excerpt, or perhaps a trailer for a feature film, one that apparently didn't get produced.

As a stand-alone film, it is lacking; as a promo or advertisement for the U.S.O., it is very ... well, I guess one could say "subtle." As a flag-waver or patriotic recruiter, it doesn't say much, either.

There are four major performers and one more who became one, Chill Wills, so whatever was intended, there were some good people involved.

Now, though, it seems to be almost a novelty, or a vignette of how Hollywood, and especially Warner Brothers, treated the war, and for that reason alone "Mister Gardenia Jones" is a must-see.