Class of '44

The problem with this movie is that it couldn't seem to decide whether it wanted to be a poignant follow up to the awesome Summer of '42, or a version of Animal House.

And the chemistry between Hermie, and his girlfriend was pretty much non-existent. Think that I would have enjoyed it if they had brought Aggie back from the original film.

The first scenes and the last ones did capture the spirit of the times, and were true to the original in their poignancy, and warmth......but those scenes were sandwiched between a pretty forgettable middle. There was one moment when Hermie inexplicably explodes at his roommate, Sam Bottoms, that really didn't make a lot of sense.

Gary Grimes was, however, very watchable, and Jerry Hauser had some really good moments.

I am adding one more 4 to the Class of 44. At the time of its release, it was panned unmercifully by most critics; and they were not too far off the truth. Since I had such great regard for Summer of 42, which was twice as good as this film, I tried to keep an open mind about it. The only content I found amusing was the imitation of the Columbia University football team (they lost 70 in a row in the 70s). At least this team was better than Columbia. There did not seem to be any chemistry between Grimes and the actress with the birthmark or black and blue mark under her left eye, which I thought was terribly unattractive. Too many pots left on the stove boiling according to my old film professor. After one of the friends joins the marines, we never hear from him again. After Oscar joins the military, he still remains a putz. And college seems terribly unappealing to Herman Goring. The laughs are too few and far in between, and the contrived relationships are pretty much sowhat. Disappointing at several levels. Don't bother watching this turkey; watch the original Summer of 42 instead.

This sequel to the "Summer of '42" carries on the themes set out in the original film and delves deeper into the minds of the characters. While fans of the first film may wish to see more of Jennifer O'Neill's character, unfortunately she does not appear in this film and there is no mention of her character at all. That aside, however, this film allows you to learn more about Hermie and Oscy and the paths their lives take. Deborah Winters role as Hermie's college love interest works well and the characters have chemistry on screen. If you liked the "Summer Of '42" you should enjoy the "Class Of '44". You just may be disappointed not to see any more of Hermie and Dorothy's relationship or the impact of the summer of '44.

Hermie, Oscy, and Benjie graduate from high school. Dorothy is long gone. The war is calling. Hermie is going to college. Oscy is still girl crazy. Benjie signs up with the marines only to be ridiculed by the other two. After sending him off to the war, Hermie and Oscy go to college together. Hermie is taken with high-strung school reporter Julie. The boys join a frat where they get hazed. Oscy gets kicked out and joins the Army but he's stationed off New York as a typist.

I feel like this is missing the biggest issue of the era, the war. It's always in the background but these characters are not actually in it. Benjie goes off to war and disappears. The football sucks because all the real men are gone. There are constant references to the war. I expected more pressure for the guys to join. It could have done a separation of paths by doing the other half with Benjie at war. This is Animal House but the bigger issue of the war is pushed to the sidelines. That may be the point but it makes the movie less compelling. I do appreciate its semi-autobiographical nature. This is notable for John Candy's theatrical debut as a side character early in the movie.

Took 45 years for me to see this movie, and I wish I had waited longer. There is no main story, no flow, just lots of short scenes unconnected. Summer of 42 grabbed you and held your attention. Class of 44 wasted your time, I'm still waiting for something to finish the story.