O Palhaço do Batalhão

When one views a Martin and Lewis film, one wasn't expect much I guess. You have Lewis's patented clowning around, and Martin's singing straight man. At War with the Army is the first movie I've seen of theirs as a team (I've seen other films with them as stars separately). It's somewhat interesting to watch them as a team. They play off each other quite well, even though the material here is quite treacly and quite hammy. You can probably predict that they're Army soldiers going into one hi-jinx after another in the barracks. This is taken from a stage play, not too sure if Martin and Lewis starred in the actual play, ( my guess is that they did). Not exactly Tony material.

One thing that did surprise me though, is what a showman Jerry Lewis is. His singing and dancing along with his comic timing is quite impeccable here, a sure sign of things to come.

At War with the Army is set during the World War II.Alvin Corwin and Vic Puccinelli used to be good buddies but after joining the army Vic becomes a bossy sergeant.At War with the Army is an average Jerry Lewis comedy from 1950.The movie offers many funny scenes, that make you laugh.There are also some music scenes, like Jerry and Dean movies usually had.If you are a fan of Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin comedies, like I am, then this is a movie for you to watch.

For their new comedy team of Martin and Lewis Paramount acquired the rights to a short run play on Broadway entitled At War With The Army and adapted it for Dean and Jerry. Although they don't have all that much together time on screen, Dean and Jerry do have their moments individually and together.

At War With the Army was their first starring feature and while the vehicle seems stage bound in its first half, the second half more than makes up for it. Especially with Jerry Lewis on the obstacle course being 'helped' by Sergeant Mike Kellin.

Kellin, who was in the original Broadway cast, really competes with Lewis for the laughs in this film. His characterization as a brain dead drill sergeant is really good.

Dino gets to sing Tona Wanda Hoy in this film and while it sold a few platters he never got a real big hit out of a Martin and Lewis film until That's Amore in The Caddy.

At War With the Army bears some resemblance to the Abbott and Costello films Little Giant and The Time of Their Lives where Bud and Lou play separate roles and aren't really a team. Dean and Jerry do that here, but there's enough team work so their fans wouldn't be disappointed.

The film was directed by Hal Walker who did a few of their early films and who had good training as he did a Road picture or two with Paramount. They also did a takeoff of Going My Way with Jerry nailing Barry Fitzgerald down. Then again everyone said Dino sang like Bing anyway.

A bunch of comedic misadventures surround an army training camp office.

One of the best of M & L. One reason is a clever script adapted from a stage play. That means better than usual comedic lines, and also that Lewis's mugging isn't the only funny element. Unlike his later films, Lewis complements the laughs here instead of monopolizing them. Also, Martin gets to warble a few tunes in his smooth baritone. I especially like the record-booth duet with Polly Bergen that's really quite charming. And I wonder what happened to the quite talented Jean Ruth as the befuddled Millie who can't seem to decide where she works or whom she's dating. Ruth shows a lot of comedic spark in the role, but appears to have left the industry soon after. Too bad.

Not everything is roses. Being an ex-stage play means the story is pretty much confined to a single set with characters rushing in and out. Keeping up with the diverse lot may require a scorecard. Of course, there's nothing new about the comedic potential of misfits in the military, and this one was followed by several more M&L entries in a similar vein. Anyway, the act here in their first film is still, fresh, energetic and funny.

After stealing the shows with their supporting roles in "My Friend Irma" and its sequel "My Friend Irma Goes West" Paramount decided to build an entire film around their popular contract player comedy duo, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. This 1950 release was a huge hit that would inspire numerous other successful teamings before they split up in 1956. Placing the two of them on an army base and getting them involved in all sorts of crazy situations on and off the front lines adds up to some sheer hilarity and one of their best teamings.